Council of Leaders builds momentum and advances Northern priorities in Ottawa

Last week, the Northwest Territories Council of Leaders (NWTCOL), which brings together Indigenous governments and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), concluded a successful second federal engagement in Ottawa, strengthening Northern partnerships and advancing shared priorities with the Government of Canada.

The delegation brought together leaders from across the Northwest Territories for two days of meetings, discussions and events focused on energy security, Arctic sovereignty, housing, climate resilience and reconciliation. The visit built on the success of last year’s inaugural trip, continuing the Council’s collaborative approach to national advocacy and demonstrating the growing influence of a unified Northern voice.

Advancing the conversation

The delegation met with federal counterparts including Ministers Rebecca Chartrand (Northern and Arctic Affairs), Sean Fraser (Justice), Mandy Gull-Masty (Indigenous Services Canada), Rebecca Alty (Crown-Indigenous Relations), Eleanor Olszewski (Emergency Management and Community Resilience) and Gregor Robertson (Housing, Infrastructure and Communities), as well as Parliamentary Secretaries representing the Public Safety, Health and Canadian Heritage portfolios.

Additional meetings were also held with Parliamentary Secretary Mike Kelloway (Transport and Internal Trade), Minister Tim Hodgson (Energy and Natural Resources) and The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), reinforcing connections across multiple federal portfolios.

Discussions focused on advancing joint priorities in infrastructure, housing, health and wellness, and economic reconciliation. Leaders emphasized the importance of stable federal funding for Indigenous self-government implementation and community-driven programs in areas such as mental health, child and family services, and climate adaptation.

For its part, the GNWT also advanced discussions on key nation-building infrastructure priorities, including the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor and the Taltson Hydro Expansion Project, each essential to strengthening supply chains, improving energy security and reinforcing Arctic sovereignty through Northern-led development.

Additional connections

A highlight of the week was the Mackenzie Valley Highway Information Session and Reception, co-hosted by the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated and the Government of the Northwest Territories. The event brought together parliamentarians, federal officials, Indigenous and territorial leaders, and industry representatives to highlight the highway’s regional and national importance.

SSI Chairperson Charles McNeely, Pehdzéh Kı̨ First Nation Chief Jesse Nekeneyia-Moses, Sahtu MLA Danny McNeely and Minister Caroline Wawzonek emphasized that the project represents partnership in action: Indigenous and public governments working together to build the infrastructure that will underpin the next generation of Northern prosperity and security.

The visit also included a press conference on Parliament Hill, where Council members presented a united call for federal partnership, and attending a reception at the Senate of Canada Building hosted by Senators Margaret Dawn Anderson, Nancy Karetak-Lindell and Oceans North, which brought together parliamentarians, senior officials and civil society leaders.

During the visit, members of the delegation attended both the House of Commons and the Senate, where they were formally recognized in the gallery for their leadership and collaboration in advancing Northern priorities.

The trip concluded with the ceremonial return of the 1967 Centennial Belt — a symbolic moment recognizing the territory’s history of resilience and renewal.

Quotes

“This trip was about building on momentum and making sure the voices of the North continue to be heard where decisions are made. By working alongside Indigenous governments through the Council of Leaders, we are showing that partnership in action means respect, shared priorities and a common vision for the future. From major infrastructure projects to clean energy and self-government, we made it clear that the Northwest Territories is ready to lead on issues that matter to the whole country.”

— R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories

“This second joint visit to Ottawa shows the strength of our intergovernmental approach. The Council of Leaders speaks with one voice, grounded in respect for each government and their individual concerns and circumstances, and united in working together to make progress on common issues. Together, we’re making it clear that investing in the North means investing in Canada’s sovereignty, its economy and its people. What strengthens the North strengthens the whole country.”

— Ɂekw’ahtı̨d̨ǝ́ Danny Gaudet, Chair, NWT Council of Leaders

“It can’t be on the backs of 45,000 Northerners to secure Canada’s Arctic or unlock the North’s potential. These are national priorities that demand a national response. Projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor and the Taltson Hydro Expansion are about connecting communities, driving prosperity and strengthening sovereignty. But none of them can move forward without meaningful federal partnership. When we invest together, we’re not just building infrastructure, we’re building reconciliation and a stronger, more resilient Canada.”

— Caroline Wawzonek, Deputy Premier and Minister of Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains

Background

The NWT Council of Leaders was established in 2021 through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Northwest Territories and 12 Indigenous governments and organizations. It serves as a forum for collaboration on shared social, economic and cultural priorities while respecting each government’s individual mandates and relationships with Canada.

Signatories to the NWT Council of Leaders include: Acho Dene Koe First Nation, Akaitcho Dene First Nations, Délı nę Got’ı ne Government, Gwich’in Tribal Council, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Kátł’odeeche First Nation, Nahanni Butte Dene Band, North Slave Métis Alliance, Northwest Territory Métis Nation, Salt River First Nation, Sahtu Secretariat Inc., Tłı chǫ Government, and the Government of the NWT.

The 2025 federal engagement in Ottawa built upon the Council’s 2024 trip, the first of its kind, and reflects a continued commitment to presenting a unified Northern voice on the national stage. This year’s discussions advanced progress on:

• Infrastructure and connectivity: Accelerating work on the Mackenzie Valley Highway, Arctic Economic and Security Corridor and Taltson Hydro Expansion to strengthen energy security, supply chains and climate resilience.
• Housing, health, public safety and community development: Addressing chronic underinvestment in Northern housing and ensuring programs reflect the realities of remote and Indigenous communities.
• Climate adaptation and emergency management: Strengthening federal support for wildfire response, community protection and clean energy transition.
• Reconciliation and self-government: Supporting the negotiation, implementation and long-term sustainability of Indigenous self-government agreements.

For media requests, please contact:
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca