Premier R.J. Simpson and Minister Caroline Wawzonek issued the following statements today in response to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, the Gwich’in Tribal Council, and Pehdzéh Kı̨ First Nation regarding the proposed Mackenzie Valley Highway.

Premier R. J. Simpson

“The signing by Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, the Gwich’in Tribal Council, and Pehdzéh Kı̨ First Nation is an important moment for the Mackenzie Valley Highway and for the future of the Northwest Territories.

“I want to congratulate Chair Charles McNeely, Grand Chief Frederick Blake Jr., Chief Jamie Moses, and the leadership of each Indigenous government for their vision, collaboration, and commitment to working together. This MOU reflects Indigenous governments coming together to help shape one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the history of the Northwest Territories.

“For communities along the Mackenzie Valley, this project represents more than a road. It represents stronger connections between communities, greater resilience in the face of climate change, improved access to services and opportunities, and a more reliable transportation system that supports everyday life in the North.

“It also carries national significance. The Mackenzie Valley Highway can strengthen Canada’s Arctic presence, support sovereignty and security, improve northern supply chains, and create new economic opportunities for Indigenous and Northern residents.

“The Government of the Northwest Territories welcomes this step forward. We recognize that each Indigenous government retains its own authority, rights, and decision-making role, and that full support for the project depends on meaningful partnership, appropriate accommodation, community benefit, and free, prior and informed consent.

“That is the right approach. Major projects in the Northwest Territories will only succeed if they are built on respect, partnership, and shared decision-making. Today’s signing sends a strong message to Canada that Indigenous governments in the Northwest Territories are ready to lead, ready to partner, and ready to help shape the future of major infrastructure in the North.”

Minister Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains

“I want to congratulate Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, the Gwich’in Tribal Council, and Pehdzéh Kı̨ First Nation on the signing of this MOU. Their leadership and collaboration are helping to move the Mackenzie Valley Highway forward in a thoughtful, coordinated, and responsible way.

“The Mackenzie Valley Highway is a transformative project that can improve inter-community travel, strengthen transportation resilience, support emergency response, help reduce transportation costs over time, and create new training, employment, procurement, and business opportunities for Indigenous and Northern residents.

“At the same time, this project must continue to move forward with the environmental assessment, regulatory review, Indigenous engagement and consultation and community readiness planning to ensure impacts are understood, mitigated, and accommodated.

“The GNWT is committed to working with Indigenous governments, the Government of Canada, and the Major Projects Office to advance the Mackenzie Valley Highway in a way that reflects Northern priorities and delivers real benefits for people and communities.

“The momentum we are seeing is encouraging. This is how major projects in the North should move forward: through partnership, through respect, and with Indigenous governments helping shape the path ahead.”