November 10, 2010 - The Łue Túé Sųlái area in the Dehcho region has been recommended as a Candidate Conservation Area under the NWT Protected Areas Strategy.

In November of 2009, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) received a proposal from the Jean Marie River First Nation requesting protection of Łue Túé Sųlái, also known as Five Fish Lakes. During the GNWT review of the proposal, it was decided ITI should sponsor the area.

“The Łue Túé Sųlái area is considered a culturally significant site by the Jean Marie First Nation and it is important that we look at how it can be protected for future generations,” says Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Bob McLeod. “An environment that will sustain present and future generations is a key priority of our Government.”

The proposed protected area is located southwest of the community of Jean Marie River. It consists of two distinct areas and encompasses 185 square kilometres. Sponsorship is the third step in the eight-step Protected Areas Strategy process. The next step is to establish a working group with representatives from interested parties. The working group’s purpose will be to evaluate and make recommendations for the final designation and management of Łue Túé Sųlái.

Sponsorship of Łue Túé Sųlái supports the commitment the GNWT has made as a partner in the NWT Protected Areas Strategy process.

For more information, contact:

Darren Campbell
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Tel: (867) 920-8696
Email: Darren_p_campbell@gov.nt.ca