The Tłı̨chǫ Government, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance collaborative work related to the proposed Arctic Economic and Security Corridor (AESC).
The principles-based agreement confirms the three governments’ shared commitment to working together to align the vision, objectives, and pathways for the (AESC), connecting the Northwest Territories through Nunavut to a deepwater Arctic port and linking communities, economic opportunities, and Canada as a whole. This visionary approach to nation-building anticipates long-term economic security and sovereignty, and shared opportunity across the North.
The MOU recognizes Indigenous leadership as central to the future of the AESC and affirms that planning this nation-building project must be guided by Indigenous values, stewardship of the land, and long-term community benefit.
The signing took place during the AME Roundup conference in Vancouver, underscoring the partners’ shared intent to present a unified, Indigenous-led approach as discussions with Canada and industry continue.
“We appreciate GNWT’s collaboration and support for our Indigenous leadership on this once-in-a-lifetime nation-building opportunity. Canada has Arctic sovereignty needs, economic needs, and critical minerals needs. We are ready to support Canada’s needs, and we need to do it in a way that brings lasting wellness to our citizens and communities.”
- Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty, Tłı̨chǫ Government
“This memorandum signals that governments are prepared to work together in a more coordinated and Indigenous-led way. The Arctic Economic and Security Corridor has national importance, but it will also strengthen Northern communities and respect the rights, responsibilities and vision of the Nations whose land it crosses.
- Chief Betsina (Dettah), Yellowknife Dene First Nation
“For generations, Northerners have spoken about the importance of this corridor. Now, Canada is also recognizing the strategic value of the North and what our people have to offer. I am honoured to be working in partnership with the Tłı̨chǫ Government and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and to have signed this agreement today demonstrating what reconciliation looks like in action. Together, we will ensure that there are benefits for people of the territory, around the territory, and there are benefits for people in Canada. This project is big enough for all of us. It unlocks the potential to significantly impact our national GDP, while delivering lasting benefits for communities across the Northwest Territories and strengthening Canada’s economy and national security through the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor.”
- Premier R.J. Simpson, Government of Northwest Territories
Quick Facts
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance collaborative work related to the proposed Arctic Economic and Security Corridor (AESC). LINK
- In September 2025, Canada identified the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor as a potentially transformative early-stage initiative requiring further development. Framed as an all-weather, dual-use land and port-to-port corridor, it is intended to support northern critical mineral development, strengthen Arctic defence and sovereignty, improve connectivity for northern communities, and enhance the operational capacity of the Canadian Armed Forces. LINK
- The Arctic Economic and Security Corridor is a proposed all-season, multi-use transportation corridor linking the Northwest Territories through Nunavut to an Arctic deepwater port. LINK
- The MOU establishes a collaborative framework focused on project promotion, federal engagement, and information-sharing.
- Indigenous leadership, environmental stewardship, and long-term community benefit are central principles of the MOU.
Media Contacts
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca
Tłı̨chǫ Government
media@tlicho.ca
Yellowknives Dene First Nation
YKDFNMedia@ykdene.com