Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today in response to recent public comments and reporting regarding the events at Timber Bay:

“Recent public comments and reporting on the events at Timber Bay have brought renewed attention to this issue.

“I want to speak directly to the people of Łutsël K’é, to the Elders, families, and young people who were at Timber Bay.

“I have heard from leadership and members of the community, and I have taken time to reflect on the impact this had. I understand that this was a deeply difficult and upsetting experience for many people in the community. For that, I am sorry.

“While this took place several years ago, as Premier I take responsibility for how we move forward and for making sure we learn from it and do better.

“At the same time, I want to be clear about why this action was taken.

“It was in response to credible evidence of illegal harvesting in a protected area. The harvest occurred in the Mobile Zone, where harvesting is prohibited to help protect and conserve the herd, and there was significant meat wastage at the harvest site. DNA analysis conducted as part of the investigation later confirmed a link between harvested caribou and meat found at the camp.

“The Bathurst caribou population has declined significantly in recent decades, and protecting the herd from extinction is a responsibility we all share.

“Many of the priorities that have been raised publicly by the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation leadership in recent weeks, including housing, access to health services, community wellness, and caribou stewardship, are shared priorities. They are reflected in our government’s mandate, and they are areas where we have been working to make progress.

“There have been real investments and supports delivered in Łutsël K’é, including more than $1 million toward new modular housing, ongoing investments in public housing and repairs, sustained funding for community wellness and on-the-land programming, and support for local services and infrastructure. There is also more work underway.

“At the same time, I recognize that from the community’s perspective, progress has not always been felt, and expectations have not always been met. For too long, communities across the North have gone without, particularly smaller communities, and we are working hard to change that.

“Rebuilding trust requires more than pointing to programs or funding. It requires a different approach, one grounded in respect, communication, and working together in true partnership.

“That is the standard this government is committed to.

“It also means ensuring that conversations about long-term development and major projects in the North are grounded in that same partnership. Progress depends on strong relationships, mutual respect, and a shared understanding of priorities.

“We are committed to that approach.

“An independent officer conduct review is being advanced to establish a full and accurate account of the events at Timber Bay. This workplace assessment is intended to provide a neutral and objective perspective to help the GNWT, as the employer, identify areas for improvement and help inform a path forward that supports reconciliation and a stronger co-management relationship with the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation. I strongly encourage members of the community to participate so their experiences are heard directly.

“We will continue to protect the Bathurst caribou. And we will do that work in a way that respects Indigenous rights, knowledge, and ways of life.

“Both of these responsibilities must go hand in hand, and we are committed to getting that balance right.

“We have a real opportunity in front of us right now. With the Prime Minister’s recent announcement, the referral of our projects to the Major Projects Office, and unprecedented national attention on the North, we have a real opportunity to build lasting infrastructure and create new opportunities for Northerners. Realizing that potential will require us to move forward together in true partnership, with a shared focus on delivering results for communities across the territory and ensuring the benefits are felt across the North.”