If you or someone you know has been affected—or may be affected—by a mine closure, there are resources available. The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), Tłı̨chǫ Government (TG) and Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) have support programs and services.
Career, Employment and Training Services for individuals
Career Services
Summary: Career Development Divisions purpose is to support Tłıc̨hǫ Citizens in building skills, exploring skills, strengthen futures and take the next steps in career journeys. We help with career planning, training, job start support, referrals and personal career plans.
Offered by: Tłı̨chǫ Government
Access this service: Follow the process at https://tlicho.ca/government/client-services/career-development or email Career@tlicho.ca
Post-Secondary support services
Summary: The Post-Secondary Support Services Division (PSSS) offers financial support and student services to Tłı̨chǫ Citizens continuing their education beyond high school. Our purpose is to help remove barriers, promote academic achievement, and foster lifelong learning opportunities.
Offered by: Tłı̨chǫ Government
Access this service: Find additional information online at https://tlicho.ca/government/client-services/postsecondaryprogram or email post.secondary@tlicho.ca
Enrolment services
Summary: The Enrolment Services Division provides support with Tłıc̨hǫ Citizenship applications, maintains the Citizen Register, and processes birth, marriage, and death registrations. We also offer information on Tłıc̨hǫ Citizenship and deliver Canada and GNWT services, including Treaty Status and Estate Services.
Offered by: Tłı̨chǫ Government
Access this service: Get forms and information online at https://tlicho.ca/government/client-services/enrolment or email enrolment@tlicho.ca
Justice and Victim Services
Summary: The purpose of the JVS Division is to promote community safety, advocate for and support clients, and provide programs and services to clients that are rooted in the Tłıc̨hǫ way of life. We help Tłıc̨hǫ Citizens and residents of Behchokǫ̀, Whatì, Gamètì, and Wekweetì who are involved in the justice system or at risk of being involved in the justice system as victims or offenders.
Offered by: Tłı̨chǫ Government
Access this service: Find additional information online at https://tlicho.ca/government/client-services/justice-and-victim-services or email justice.services@tlicho.ca or victim.services@tlicho.ca
Employment & Referral Supports
Summary: Priority talent pool & job‑matching with joint venture partners; winter road hiring, hospitality jobs, Class 3 Drivers and Heavy Equipment Operator hiring.
Offered by: Det'on Cho Group of Companies
Access this service: Phone: (867) 873-6533, email: resumes@detoncho.com
YKDFN Community Employment Liaison
Summary: Career planning, resume writing, job searches, interview preparation, one-on-one support, computer access, record keeping.
Offered by: YKDFN
Access this service: email: CE_Liaison@ykdene.com
Dechı̨ta Nàowo- Training and Education Support
Summary: Training (Construction Basics, Environmental Monitoring, Heavy Equipment Operation, Intro to Office Admin and Trades Entrance Exam Preparation) on-the-job placements, job readiness, essential skills training, and safety training WHMIS, Food Safe, confined space, fall protection.
Offered by: YKDFN
Access this service: phone: (867) 873-9037, email: amandeville@ykdene.com
Career Planning
Summary:Taking time to reflect and plan your next steps can help you choose a career path that fits you.
Offered by: GNWT
Access this service: Contact your regional ECE Service Centre at Phone: 1-867-767-9356, Toll Free:1-866-768-8145, email: NorthSlaveCareerDevelopment@gov.nt.ca
Resumes, Cover Letters and Interview Preparation
Summary: Get help with your job search, including resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and understanding the labour market. Practical tools are available.
Offered by: GNWT
Access this service: Contact your regional ECE Service Centre at Phone: 1-867-767-9356, Toll Free:1-866-768-8145, email: NorthSlaveCareerDevelopment@gov.nt.ca
Skills Development Program
Summary: Funding is available for short-term training (up to 52 weeks) to help build skill you have lost your job or are thinking about a new career.
Offered by: GNWT
Access this service: Contact your regional ECE Service Centre at Phone: 1-867-767-9356, Toll Free:1-866-768-8145, email: NorthSlaveCareerDevelopment@gov.nt.ca
Self-Employment Program
Summary: Eligible NWT residents can access funding to help with the transition of starting or taking over a small business. You’ll need to commit to working full-time in the business.
Offered by: GNWT
Access this service: Contact your regional ECE Service Centre at Phone: 1-867-767-9356, Toll Free:1-866-768-8145, email: NorthSlaveCareerDevelopment@gov.nt.ca
Income Assistance Program
Summary: You may be eligible for assistance based on your current financial situation. It can help cover basic needs and give you space to focus on what comes next.
Offered by: GNWT
Access this service in Yellowknife:
Phone: 867-767-9356 | Toll Free: 1-867-768-8145
Email: yellowknife_incomeassistance@gov.nt.ca
Access this service in Behchokǫ̀ or the Tłı̨chǫ region:
Phone: 867-392-6201 | Toll Free: 1-867-768-8145
Email: Tlicho_incomeassistance@gov.nt.ca
Student Financial Assistance Program
Summary: Financial assistance is available to eligible NWT residents to assist with costs related to post-secondary education. It’s a chance to explore new career paths and build skills for what comes next.
Offered by: GNWT
Access this service: Contact Phone: 867-767-9355, Toll Free: 1-800-661-0793, Email: nwtsfa@gov.nt.ca
Entrepreneur Support
Summary: Funding of up to $25,000 for entrepreneurs and small businesses to assist with startup funding, capital asset acquisition, market and product development, operational support and support for film.
Offered by: GNWT
Access this service: Contact the North Slave Regional office at 867-767-9212 (Yellowknife), 867-446-1049 (Behchokǫ̀), or North_Slave_ITI@gov.nt.ca.
Micro Business
Summary: Funding of up to $6,000 over three years for licensed artists, crafters, filmmakers, commercial renewable resource harvesters and small businesses to make their projects sustainable.
Offered by: GNWT
Access this service: Contact the North Slave Regional office at 867-767-9212 (Yellowknife), 867-446-1049 (Behchokǫ̀), or North_Slave_ITI@gov.nt.ca.
Tourism Business Mentorship Program
Summary: Mentorship program to help strengthen the tourism industry and increase the business knowledge of tourism operators. Experienced professionals work with new entrepreneurs on-site at the Mentors place of business as well as virtually.
Offered by: GNWT
Access this service: Contact the North Slave Regional office at 867-767-9212 (Yellowknife), 867-446-1049 (Behchokǫ̀), or North_Slave_ITI@gov.nt.ca.
Career, Employment and Training Services for businesses
Economic development
Summary: The Economic Development Division supports business planning, funding access, and business support programmes. We assist with GNWT Entrepreneur & Economic Development Programmes, Prosper NWT’s Business Development and Investment Programmes, and inclusion in the Tłıc̨hǫ Business Listings. We also host an annual cultural event showcasing Tłıc̨hǫ artists.
Offered by: Tłı̨chǫ Government
Access this service: email: edo@tlicho.ca
YKDFN Economic Development
Summary: Entrepreneurship exposure and financial literacy training
Offered by: YKDFN
Access this service: email: Ec-Dev@ykdene.com
Business Intelligence and Networking
Summary: Financial assistance to assist with costs associated with attendance at seminars and trade shows. Aimed at helping applicants create new business partnerships and secure new work contracts.
Offered by: GNWT
Access this service: Contact the North Slave Regional office at 867-767-9212 (Yellowknife), 867-446-1049 (Behchokǫ̀), or North_Slave_ITI@gov.nt.ca.
Sector Support (SEED)
Summary: Funding for businesses to offset the cost of investing in new, or expanded, facilities and equipment; or investing in research and expansion needed to improve their understanding or presence in a sector.
Offered by: GNWT
Access this service: Contact the North Slave Regional office at 867-767-9212 (Yellowknife), 867-446-1049 (Behchokǫ̀), or North_Slave_ITI@gov.nt.ca.
Strategic Investments (SEED)
Summary: Funding to NWT businesses looking to making large investments in their company in order to expand and grow their business.
Offered by: GNWT
Access this service: Contact the North Slave Regional office at 867-767-9212 (Yellowknife), 867-446-1049 (Behchokǫ̀), or North_Slave_ITI@gov.nt.ca.
Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing
Summary: Funding to re-invent, improve or expand a tourism product or service. Funding is available for business planning, product development and packaging, marketing and safety upgrades.
Offered by: GNWT
Access this service: Contact the North Slave Regional office at 867-767-9212 (Yellowknife), 867-446-1049 (Behchokǫ̀), or North_Slave_ITI@gov.nt.ca.
Tourism Training Fund
Summary: Funding for individuals, business and groups to increase the number of skilled and certified people working in the tourism industry.
Offered by: GNWT
Access this service: Contact the North Slave Regional office at 867-767-9212 (Yellowknife), 867-446-1049 (Behchokǫ̀), or North_Slave_ITI@gov.nt.ca.
Debt Financing
Summary: Prosper NWT offers flexible financing options to help businesses to start, grow, and thrive. Support includes term loans, standby letters of credit, and working capital guarantees.
Offered by: ProsperNWT
Access this service: Visit ProsperNWT or email prospernwtinfo@gov.nt.ca
Equity Financing
Summary: Prosper NWT provides investment and management support through its venture investment program. It also invests in community initiatives and businesses that create jobs, support local artists and crafters, and/or provide goods and services to NWT communities.
Offered by: ProsperNWT
Access this service: Visit ProsperNWT or email prospernwtinfo@gov.nt.ca
Digital Program
Summary: Prosper NWT helps businesses adopt new digital tools through its Accelerate Digital Adoption Projects for Tomorrow (ADAPT) Fund. Grants are available for projects such as creating or upgrading websites, adding e-commerce, setting up online payments, and building digital inventory systems.
Offered by: ProsperNWT
Access this service: Visit ProsperNWT or email prospernwtinfo@gov.nt.ca
Advisory and Business Support Services
Summary: Prosper NWT provides advice, resources, and free webinars to entrepreneurs and business owners through its Business Service Centre, co-funded with the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor).
Offered by: ProsperNWT
Access this service: Visit ProsperNWT or email prospernwtinfo@gov.nt.ca
Mental Wellness Services
811
Summary: The 811 Helpline offers free, confidential support 24/7. When you call 811 and press 1, you’ll reach the Mental Health and Wellness Support Line. Nurses trained to help with mental health and wellness concerns like stress management, anxiety, mood changes, grief, and more.
Offered by: GNWT
Access this service: Call us at 811 or 1-844-259-1793.
Community Counselling
Summary: The Community Counselling Program provides free mental health services in all NWT regions. Counsellors are available to help with mental health, addictions, and family violence.
Offered by: GNWT
Access this service: Contact your Community Counsellor
Online Supports
Summary: Online mental wellness resources offer convenient, online supports for adults, families, and youth. These tools allow residents to access help from home, at times that work best for them.
Offered by: GNWT
Access this service: See the list of online supports.