November 22, 2011 – Premier Bob McLeod attended the Tlicho Assembly Thursday, November 17 to discuss the government’s work and priorities with the leaders of the Tlicho Government. This is the first time an NWT premier has appeared at the Tlicho Assembly, and the third time Premier McLeod has met with Tlicho leaders since being elected. The most recent meeting was on November 3.

“Our territory is strong, and we are even stronger when we work together,” Premier McLeod said through an interpreter. “We are taking our first steps toward a shared vision: a unified, sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories. The Tlicho Government is a key partner in this work. We must all share in the benefits and responsibilities of the territory we are building together.”

During the meeting, Tlicho chiefs spoke about community concerns such as housing, health, education, community infrastructure and winter roads. Premier McLeod committed that senior-level staff would follow up to resolve these issues. Members of the Legislative Assembly have identified those issues as priorities and have already begun the early work that is required.

Grand Chief Eddie Erasmus said, “We appreciate this Premier’s commitment to work together with the Tlicho Government, and we look forward to greater communication between our two governments on issues of mutual interest in the future.  Greater communication can lead to greater collaboration, and we hope that by working together, we will avoid the difficulties that have affected our relationship in the past.”

MLA Jackson Lafferty was also in attendance.

Premier McLeod and his Cabinet look forward to continuing to meet with Aboriginal and community leadership. A meeting with all regional Aboriginal government leaders is being planned for early in the new year.


For more information, contact:

Megan Holsapple
Media Liaison
Government of the Northwest Territories
(867) 669-2302


Jim Martin
Tlicho Government
(867) 766-4063