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Mr. Speaker, barren-ground caribou are a vital part of the culture, traditions, and livelihoods of Indigenous peoples across the Northwest Territories. They are also an important indicator for the health of our northern ecosystems.

The conservation and recovery of barren-ground caribou herds is a shared responsibility and commitment.  The Government of the Northwest Territories continues to work closely with Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, renewable resources boards and other co-management partners to monitor herd conditions, share information, and take targeted actions when needed.

The new population estimates for several herds have highlighted the conservation concerns we are currently facing in the Territory. The Bathurst, Bluenose East, and Porcupine herds all recorded significant population declines in 2025, despite collaborative efforts to address climate change, habitat disturbance, and other contributing pressures.

Mr. Speaker, despite these challenges, the GNWT is working with our Indigenous partners and communities to support recovery using both science-based management and Indigenous knowledge.

Decisions about caribou management are strongest when they are informed by the people who have relied upon and stewarded these herds for generations.

Over the past year, the Department of Environment and Climate Change and our co-management partners continued a range of research work and monitoring efforts. We supported collaborative herd-specific management processes, and continued discussions on harvest management and habitat protection.

In 2025, ECC hosted a series of Respected Harvester meetings with representatives from Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations whose members have traditionally harvested along the Tibbitt to Contwoyto winter road.

 The department also provided ongoing support to Indigenous-led monitoring programs along the winter road led by the Tłı̨chǫ Government, Yellowknife Dene First Nation and North Slave Métis Alliance.

The GNWT is committed to working in partnership to support the long-term sustainability of barren-ground caribou. As the Minister of ECC, I am personally committed to ensure the long-term sustainability of caribou populations to make sure they are here for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, to be clear, I want the caribou to be there for my grandchildren, and their grandchildren after them.

Through collaboration, shared responsibility, and continued investment in monitoring and conservation, we can help ensure these herds remain part of the North forever.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.