YELLOWKNIFE (January 17, 2012) – The GNWT and Tlicho have concluded government-to-government meetings. These were the first meetings with all GNWT Cabinet ministers and all Tlicho Government Executive Council members since the establishment of the Tlicho Government six years ago. While previous territorial governments met with the Tlicho leadership, this is the first time the Tlicho Government and entire GNWT Cabinet have met bilaterally to discuss how the two will work together. Senior officials of both governments have been directed to work together to develop a memorandum of understanding that will formalize the government-to-government relationship.

 “This is an important development that sets the tone for our continued work toward a united and prosperous Northwest Territories,” said Premier Bob McLeod. “We have committed to bilateral meetings with the entire Cabinet and Tlicho Government leadership twice per year. A strong, independent north will be built on partnerships, and the GNWT is committed to working with the Tlicho Government as a key partner. I look forward to ongoing discussions with their leadership to determine a path forward for our shared and prosperous future.”

“I was pleased that our two governments could come together and discuss areas of mutual interest,” said Grand Chief Eddie Erasmus. “The dialogue about some challenging issues and our exchange of viewpoints was done with respect for each other and our mutual jurisdictions. I look forward to making progress where possible and to our future and regular intergovernmental forums.”

During the two-day meeting (January 12-13, 2012), the governments discussed a number of shared interests:

• Presentations about devolution were provided by both governments.


• The GNWT agreed to provide further information about the formula for funding community governments, and will consider establishing a Tlicho Government – GNWT Working Group to discuss options for improving the operation of Tlicho community governments.


• The GNWT will introduce a new Wildlife Act. The GNWT will convene a meeting of Aboriginal governments and continue to work with them through the Wildlife Act Working Group.


• The Tlicho Government and GNWT committed to continue to work together on caribou management, housing, roads and the Water Strategy. A Tlicho Government representative will serve on the Aboriginal steering committee on water. 


• The Tlicho Government and GNWT will continue collaborative efforts to support healthy living and prevention.

The meeting was conducted in the Tlicho language and English using interpreters. This is the fourth time Premier McLeod has met with Tlicho leadership since being elected. The most recent meeting was on November 17, 2011, the first time an NWT Premier had attended the Tlicho Assembly.

For more information, contact:

Megan Holsapple                                                             
Media Liaison                                                                           
Government of the Northwest Territories                    
(867) 669-2302

Laura Duncan
Tlicho Government
 (867) 392 6381 x204