News Archives - Denendeh Investments Incorporated (DII)

Ottawa gives Denendeh Manor $2.3M for green upgrades

dan@twiadvertising.com — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 15:52:51 +0000

Manor will get better insulation and new heating system, cutting its reliance on heating oil

From left, Mayor Ben Hendriksen, federal Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin, CEO of Denendeh Investments Incorporated Darrell Beaulieu and GNWT Environment Minister Jay Mcdonald stand outside Denendeh Manor on 49 Avenue.Devon Tredinnick/NNSL photo

The federal government has provided Denendeh Manor with $2.3 million to make the building more environmentally friendly.

That money comes from the Indigenous Leadership stream. Among the building’s upgrades, will be improving the building’s insulation and adding a wood pellet biomass heating system.

“That’s going to be really helpful for reducing emissions,” said federal Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin on July 2.

The building, which was constructed in 2003, had been using diesel to keep warm. CEO of Denendeh Investments Incorporated, Darrell Beaulieu, said the green upgrades will cut about 30,000 litres of heating oil every year and shrink the building’s carbon emissions 85 tonnes. It will also save more than $40,000 in energy costs.

“Without this vital federal contribution, a project of this scale would have been out of reach for us,” said Beaulieu, adding that other Indigenous communities across the North will take note of what additions work at Denendeh Manor.

“They want to know whether these technologies work in our climate, and if the savings are real and these investments would make sense. We’re creating a proven model for First Nation members that can adapt to their own communities,” he said.

Denendeh Manor is an Indigenous-owned apartment building on 49 Avenue. It’s home to 11 families and two businesses in downtown Yellowknife.

Ottawa is also giving about $4.6 million to the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation through the same stream to fund ground-mounted solar kits for Inuvialuit-owned cabins.

This article was written by Devon Tredinnick and published by NNSL. Link to original article

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Time is running out — NWT must seize control of its mining future

dan@twiadvertising.com — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 16:36:07 +0000

Gary Vivian
Jul 30, 2025 5:41 AM

The broader message to global investors is chilling: the NWT is not open for business

The sudden halt of Ekati open-pit mining and the hundreds of layoffs that have followed have landed like a thunderclap across the Northwest Territories.

However, for those closely watching the Northwest Territories mining sector, it is no surprise — it is the tragic culmination of years of warnings that went unheeded.

Ekati, the first diamond mine in Canada, put the NWT on the world stage as a primary diamond mining jurisdiction. For over 25 years, the territory has relied heavily on diamond production from the Ekati, Diavik, and Gahcho Kue mines to power its economy, support community investment and create thousands of jobs.

In 2023, mining contributed over 24 per cent to the territory’s GDP, sustaining thousands of direct and indirect jobs. In fact, in strong years, the GDP from mining and its associated service companies exceeded 40 per cent. Yet, as these mines approach their inevitable end-of-life, no replacement projects have been advanced. This is not due to a lack of resources, but a failure of leadership.

For more than a decade, industry experts have urged territorial and federal governments to act, modernize regulations and incentivize exploration, which is the lifeline of the mining industry. Attracting investment is needed to ensure a smooth transition to the next generation of mines. Instead, the sector has been met with delay, indecision and a reluctance to change. The closure at Ekati is not an isolated incident — it is a symptom of a broader structural decay in the NWT’s mining policy. Unless we act now, it may only be the beginning.

A crisis born of complacency

Three interrelated forces are contributing to this crisis: declining exploration, outdated systems and ineffective policy.

First, mineral exploration in the NWT has plummeted. According to Natural Resources Canada, exploration expenditures dropped from $115 million in 2018 to just $53 million in 2023 — a decline of over 50 per cent in five years. This is not a global trend. In the same period, Nunavut’s exploration spending remained stable, and Yukon’s increased. Investors, not just in the mining industry, are shunning the NWT and instead choosing jurisdictions with clearer rules, better tenure systems and consistent support for the minerals industry.

Second, the NWT continues to rely on a 19th-century approach to tenure. Explorers must physically stake claims by pounding wooden posts into the ground, an archaic, costly and time-consuming method that few modern companies tolerate. By contrast, most progressive Canadian jurisdictions, including Nunavut, have adopted map staking, which allows claims to be registered online, reduces costs, improves access and unlocks exploration potential. The NWT’s insistence on clinging to antiquated practices is a barrier to entry, especially for small Indigenous and Northern prospectors.

Third, policy inertia has paralyzed progress. Despite the devolution of mineral rights from Canada to the GNWT in 2014, there has been little meaningful reform. One example is that the federal government has failed to implement a long-proposed North of 60 Mineral Exploration Tax Credit, despite internal government analysis reports that convincingly demonstrate it would significantly improve competitiveness. In the absence of decisive action, confidence is eroding.

The consequences of inaction

The consequences of this mismanagement are already being felt:

-Hundreds of workers at Ekati have now lost their jobs, magnifying Diavik’s closure in less than a year.

-The territorial economy risks losing its single most significant private-sector contributor.

-Communities that have come to rely on mining for employment, training and infrastructure investment face an uncertain future.

-Indigenous governments, who are equal partners in resource development, are watching their economic development aspirations recede.

Moreover, the broader message to global investors is chilling: the NWT is not open for business. And once investment capital leaves, it is challenging to bring back.

A call to action

This moment demands bold, coordinated action from the GNWT and its federal and Indigenous partners. Three steps must be taken immediately:

Independent review of mining decline
Commission a full, independent investigation into the root causes of exploration and development decline in the NWT, including barriers in regulation, land access, permitting and Indigenous engagement. The report must include specific, actionable recommendations and a mechanism for implementation.
Implement a North of 60 mineral exploration tax credit
Push the federal government to introduce a targeted tax credit to support mineral exploration in Northern Canada. Quebec, BC and others have long used similar incentives to significant effect. This is a cost-effective, shovel-ready policy that could yield transformative benefits.
Modernize the tenure system
Move to computerized map staking now. It is a fundamental reform that industry has recommended for over eight years. It will dramatically reduce exploration costs, increase participation and demonstrate to the world that the NWT is committed to modernization and competitiveness.

Seizing control of the future

Devolution was supposed to give the North more control over its destiny. But with that control comes responsibility. If the GNWT and its partners fail to act now, the next decade will be defined not by growth and reconciliation, but by decline and economic isolation. This is the time for action, when the world is scrambling for resources. There are several NWT projects in the pipeline, including zinc, lithium, copper, cobalt, rare earths and more, but they require a system that encourages advancement, not one that impedes it.

The opportunity is still within reach. The NWT is rich in resources, talent and potential. What it lacks is the political courage to act decisively and the vision to lead. Will the GNWT and Indigenous governments rise to this challenge? Or will we watch another mine close, another investor walk away and another community be left behind?

Indigenous leaders, such as Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty of the Tlicho Government and Darrell Beaulieu, president and CEO of Denendeh Exploration and Mining Company Limited, have been walking the talk, and the NWT needs others to follow.

The world is watching. And the clock is ticking.

This article was written by Gary Vivian and published by NNSL. Link to original article

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Sixty North Unity For the North, by the North

admin — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 18:16:02 +0000

We’re a consortium of Indigenous organizations with a mission to enhance telecommunication services for northern communities.

Sixty North Unity is led by Yukon First Nations Telco in Yukon, Denendeh Investments Incorporated in the Northwest Territories, and Kitikmeot Corporation in Nunavut.

A number of additional Indigenous organizations and corporations are currently analyzing the opportunity, and we anticipate further announcements in that respect.

Tiffany Eckert-Maret

Tiffany Eckert-Maret, Sixty North Unity (Yukon)

"As Indigenous people, we have long believed we are best placed to make the necessary decisions affecting services in our communities. The acquisition of Northwestel will give us the autonomy to make those investments and choices to serve our telecommunications needs into the future."

Tiffany Eckert-Maret is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Da Daghay Development Corporation (DDDC). As the COO of the economic development company for her First Nation, Ta'an Kwäch'än Council, she is responsible for the day-to-day operations, overseeing staff and managing the largest investment for DDDC. Tiffany also serves as the President of the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce.

Darrell Beaulieu, Sixty North Unity (Northwest Territories)

"Indigenous partnerships with industry have continued to evolve and expand. This collaboration across all three territories will allow us to own and operate a leader in northern telecommunications services and is the next logical step in the development and growth of our businesses. Bell has provided us the support necessary to realize this important opportunity."

Darrell Beaulieu was appointed President and CEO of Denendeh Investments Incorporated (DII) and the Denendeh group of companies in October 2005. DII is the General Partner of Denendeh Investments Limited Partnership (DILP), which holds investments on behalf of all the NWT Dene First Nations in Mineral Exploration, Communications Infrastructure Logistics, Power Generation and Supply, Food Supply and Real Estate. He also serves as President and CEO of Denendeh Development Corporation, a not-for-profit corporation whose members are the 27 Chiefs of the Dene Nation. DDC owns 50% of the NWT Metis Dene Development Fund, which provides developmental lending to NWT businesses.

Darrell Beaulieu,President and CEO of Denendeh Investments Incorporated (DII)

David Omilgoitok Kitikmeot

David Omilgoitok, Sixty North Unity (Nunavut)

"This acquisition allows us to take the lead in continuing to address the critical gap in telecommunications services in our northern communities. Expanded investments in fibre and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) infrastructure have the ability to transform the North and put us on equal footing with the rest of Canada."

David is originally from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, and has served as the President and CEO of Kitikmeot Corporation (KC), the business development arm of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, since 2012. David was formerly Chair of the Board for Qulliq Energy Corporation, and prior to that, he spent many years in government positions, including Secretary to Cabinet and Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.

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Wataynikaneyap Power Completes Construction of “the Line that Brings Light”

admin — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:58:25 +0000

(December 13, 2024 – Fort William First Nation, Ontario) Wataynikaneyap Power is pleased to announce that all assets of the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system have been energized! The infrastructure megaproject includes 1,800 kilometres of transmission lines and 22 substations in northwestern Ontario.

The Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system will connect 17 remote First Nation communities to the Ontario power grid. Additional connection facts:

• The connection of 12 First Nations is complete, removing their reliance on diesel-generated electricity.

• The transmission assets of four First Nations are energized, and these communities are working through their Independent Power Authority processes before they can be connected.

• Wataynikaneyap Power will continue working with McDowell Lake First Nation, the 17th community, to become grid-connected in the future.

On December 11, 2024, Wataynikaneyap Power held a gathering in Thunder Bay to celebrate the completion of the transmission system’s construction.

Development

“This gathering marks the achievement of First Nations working together tirelessly for 35 years to connect the communities to the transmission grid,” remarked Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power. “Well before this project started in 2008, the First Nations in the area agreed to work on energy as a regional issue. Owning infrastructure in our Homelands and building a solid foundation for our future generations has been a success and it must continue. This accomplishment is from the collective vision and direction from all the 24 First Nations working together and supported by the partner, Fortis Inc.”

“We did it,” said Frank Mckay, Board Chair for the Wataynikaneyap Power General Partnership. “We received our mandate from the Chiefs – bring clean, reliable power to the First Nations, and maintain ownership of any infrastructure on the Homelands. And we delivered.”

As a First Nations-led initiative, the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system follows regulatory requirements and respects Indigenous protocols, Rights, and way of life. The project follows Guiding Principles, which are given by the First Nations leadership and supported by industry partners. The Guiding Principles include respect, meaningful participation, and engagement.

The 24 First Nation partnership also established Opiikapawiin Services to provide engagement, skills development, and community readiness services through a service agreement for the transmission system. Since 2012, there have been close to 3,000 engagements recorded.

“Meaningful engagement with communities included translators, and in person presentations,” said Lucie Edwards, CEO of Opiikapawiin Services. “Opiikapawiin Services has held 55 training programs since 2017, where Indigenous Knowledge and Land-Based Learning is integrated with modern Western training methodologies. We are dedicated to fostering a holistic approach to skill development, while strengthening cultural resiliency. It is inspiring to see First Nations youth advance their skills, knowledge, and gifts through these training programs, embodying a stronger future for their communities.”

Partnership

In August 2015, Wataynikaneyap Power achieved a new milestone through a partnership with Fortis Inc. and Renewable Energy Systems Canada Inc. (the latter has since stepped away from the project).

“We could not have done this without Fortis,” Eliezar McKay, First Nation LP Board Chair, stated. “We chose Fortis as our partner because they supported our vision of First Nation-majority ownership. It is a true partnership that is built upon trust, respect, and a common goal. On behalf of the Chiefs and the First Nations, we thank Fortis.”

“Today, we celebrate not just a milestone in our partnership, but the deep bonds of friendship and trust we have built with our First Nations partners,” said David Hutchens, President and CEO, Fortis Inc. “This project is a testament to our shared vision and commitment to a brighter future for all, providing reliable and affordable energy as the backbone of social and economic prosperity for generations to come.”

Construction

The Wataynikaneyap Power Project was the construction of approximately 1,800 kilometres of a 230 kV, 115 kV, 44 kV, 25 kV alternating current power transmission system in northwestern Ontario.

“Being part of the Wataynikaneyap Power Project is a source of immense pride for us at Hatch, as it stands as an unprecedented and transformative First Nations-owned project. It not only empowers communities, but also paves the way for a sustainable future, showcasing true resilience and vision,” remarked Adeel Afzal from Hatch, the project’s Owner’s Engineer. “On a personal note, the project provided me the opportunity to meet great people doing great things, which I will always cherish.”

Wataynikaneyap Power announced the notice to proceed to Valard Construction for the Wataynikaneyap Power Project on October 29, 2019, once Environmental Assessments and financing were approved and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract negotiations were completed.

“I am incredibly proud of our team at Valard for completing the monumental task of building the Wataynikaneyap Power Project,” remarked Valard Construction President, Carey Kostyk. “Many in the industry doubted that one company could build all three phases of the project and deliver it successfully. We celebrate the quality-of-life improvements this project has brought to Indigenous communities. Valard is honoured to have played such a pivotal role in the Wataynikaneyap Power Project, a venture that brings light, and is powering the future for the communities of northwestern Ontario.”

Government Support

First Nations were experiencing significant challenges and issues because of lack of reliable power. Continuing to use diesel generation for primary power affected community health and safety, quality of life, and capacity for growth. Reliable power makes growth and development possible, such as new housing and infrastructure. Grid connection will have a significant impact for the First Nations, which were previously constrained by expensive and environmentally-unsustainable diesel generators already at capacity.

The negotiations for support of the Ontario and Canadian governments have been crucial to the development and building of the transmission system.

Said the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor): “Reliable power is essential for the health, safety, and growth of First Nations communities. For too long, these communities faced significant challenges due to reliance on diesel generation, which strained their quality of life and limited opportunities for housing, infrastructure, and development. Connecting to the power grid will transform these communities, enabling sustainable growth and improving overall well-being. The partnership and support of the Ontario and Canadian governments have been critical in making this transmission system a reality, creating lasting benefits for the communities it serves.”

On March 22, 2018, Canada announced $1.55 billion in Federal funding to pay for the Ontario loan and other costs. The cost to complete the construction of the transmission system is approximately $1.8 billion plus additional costs and was financed by Ontario and Senior Bank lenders and equity contributions by owners.

“Completing this project is a gamechanger for Indigenous communities along the line, as we bring light and hope to thousands of families across Northern Ontario,” said the Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “Our government is proud to support this achievement as we support a better quality of life and local economy for some of the most remote First Nation communities in the province. While this project is already leaving its mark, having created new good-paying jobs across the north, its legacy will be the new opportunities it creates for Indigenous communities, including new housing, jobs, and educational opportunities for the next generation.”

“This milestone marks a transformative moment in Ontario’s efforts to deliver clean, reliable power to remote communities,” said the Honourable Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, who was in attendance on December 11th. “Led by Wataynikaneyap Power, the completion of construction brings critical infrastructure and new opportunities for growth and community development across Ontario and improves the quality of life for thousands in remote First Nation communities.”

What’s Next?

Wataynikaneyap Power is a licensed power transmitter and a utility regulated by the Ontario Energy Board, guided by the First Nations through the Guiding Principles.

Wataynikaneyap Power and the EPC Contractor are currently discussing other construction costs related to COVID-19 and the 2021 summer forest fires.

Wataynikaneyap Power is developing programs that focus on permanent access, vegetation management, emergency response, environmental monitoring, and capacity building. Wataynikaneyap Power will continue to engage the First Nations on these matters.

“Capacity building means moving forward to achieve complete ownership of the transmission company. In 25 years, the First Nations maintain the right to own 100% of the transmission system. The focus now will be educating young professionals on career paths that will enable this vision,” concluded Margaret Kenequanash. “Building the transmission system will improve quality of life and address the immediate needs of the communities. Keeping the vision will require a lot of planning by our People and it is for the future generations to thrive.”

On December 11, 2024, Wataynikaneyap Power held a gathering in Thunder Bay to celebrate the completion of the transmission system’s construction.

Frank Mckay, Margaret Kenequanash, Harry Meekis (FNLP Executive Council), and Lucie Edwards celebrate the end of the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system’s construction.

The Hon. Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, presents a gift to Margaret Kenequanash.

About Wataynikaneyap Power

Wataynikaneyap Power is a licensed transmission company majority-owned by a partnership of 24 First Nations in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors, regulated by the Ontario Energy Board. FortisOntario Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., acts as the project manager through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wataynikaneyap Power PM Inc. The 24 First Nations also established Opiikapawiin Services to lead the community engagement and participation for Wataynikaneyap Power LP. To connect remote communities to the electrical grid, Wataynikaneyap Power is developing, managing construction, and operating approximately 1,800 kilometres of transmission lines and 22 substations in northwestern Ontario.

Wataynikaneyap Power recognizes that the land on which Wataynikaneyap has its head office is in the Homeland of Animikiii Wajiw. Gitchi Gami Anishjnabek are signatory to Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850.

About First Nation Limited Partnership

First Nation Limited Partnership (FNLP) is a partnership of 24 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario working together to connect 17 remote communities currently powered by diesel generation stations. FNLP was established in 2015 to be the ownership and control of the participating First Nations’ interest in Wataynikaneyap Power LP. The 51% interest in Wataynikaneyap Power LP is equally owned by each of the 24 First Nation communities and FNLP will maintain their ability to increase their ownership to 100% over time.

About Fortis

Fortis is a well-diversified leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry with 2023 revenue of $12 billion and total assets of $69 billion as of June 30, 2024. The Corporation’s 9,600 employees serve utility customers in five Canadian provinces, ten U.S. states and three Caribbean countries. Fortis shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com, www.sedar.com, or www.sec.gov.

About Opiikapawiin Services

Opiikapawiin Services LP (OSLP) was established by a partnership of 24 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario. OSLP is primarily responsible for administering projects and programs for Wataynikaneyap Power PM through a service agreement, relating to community engagement, community readiness, education & training, business readiness, stakeholder engagement, communications, and capacity building. OSLP also supports the First Nation Partnership in the management of its investment in Wataynikaneyap Power. For additional information, please visit: www.oslp.ca

Media Contacts

Kristine Carmichael, Director of Corporate and Customer Services

FortisOntario Inc.

(905) 994-3637

Kristine.Carmichael@fortisontario.com

Mary Kita, Manager, Communications

Wataynikaneyap Power

(807) 631-7503

Mary.Kita@wataypower.ca

‍

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DEMCo receives $5 million funding from NRCan

admin — Fri, 03 May 2024 14:13:39 +0000

DEMCo receives $5 million funding from NRCan

Canada Increases Support for Indigenous Participation in Critical Minerals Development and Supports Good Jobs in the Northwest Territories

Denendeh Investments Incorporated

admin — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 21:16:15 +0000

Denendeh Investments Incorporated enters distribution agreement with Alberta company Environmental Air Cleaning Ltd.

Yellowknife, NT (January 24, 2022) — Denendeh Investments Incorporated (DII) has entered into an agreement with an Alberta company, Environmental Air Cleaning Ltd. (EAC) to sell and distribute the Pyure Dynamic Protection® products manufactured by The Pyure Company.

Pyure delivers a hydroxyl-based air purification technology that effectively treats viruses, bacteria, odours and mould, including the COVID-19 virus. “Pyure’s innovative patented technology replicates the way sunlight sanitizes the outdoor environment by safely generating and diffusing hydroxyls and organic oxidants indoors. Hydroxyls are a natural oxidant and the most important cleansing agent in our outdoor environment. Hydroxyls do not exist naturally indoors,” said EAC President Tom Charlton. The technology is deployed through indoor air but also treats hard and porous surfaces. The portable technology safely sanitizes confined air spaces and can be scaled to effectively treat large areas through HVAC integration. EAC has 11 treatment models offering the ability to treat a single room to the largest facility. PYURE has been an indoor air quality leader for 15 years and is rapidly expanding to 13 countries. Hydroxyl Technology is quickly displacing limited traditional air and surface purification and sanitization solutions due to the natural treatment action, proven efficacy, and energy efficiency keeping outdoor air to ASHRAE® requirements.

PYURE’s MDU/Rx™ product is registered with the FDA as a class II medical device. PYURE announced in a recent press release that Innovative Bioanalysis, a U.S. certified, biosafety level 3 laboratory located in California, demonstrated that the PYURE MDU/Rx™ sanitizer reduced airborne SARS-CoV-2 by 99% in 20 minutes and that it was no longer detected in the air after 80 minutes. The US study also showed that on surfaces, the PYURE MDU/Rx™ sanitizer reduced the virus by 99% in one hour and it was no longer detected on surfaces after three hours. Pyure President, Jeremy Peterson, stated, “We are very pleased to have this agreement with DII to build healthier environments to the Indigenous communities and to all DII clients.”
“This is a new area of business for DII,” said Darrell Beaulieu, CEO of Denendeh Group of Companies. “It is our hope that this product improves the safety and health of our buildings and people in this era of pandemics and epidemics, especially in our schools and large institutions where people traditionally gather.”

DII is the general partner for Denendeh Investments Limited Partnership, with units held by the Dene First Nations of the NWT, established by Denendeh Development Corporation in 2007 to create long term economic self-sufficiency for the Dene by engaging in profitable business ventures.

EAC is a private Alberta company and is the Western and Northern Canada distributor for Pyure. PYURE is a private U.S. company that manufactures and markets commercial air purifiers.

PYURE products safely sanitize indoor air and surfaces, delivering dynamic pathogen protection and improved air quality. www.pyureco.com.

For media inquires, contact:

Darrell Beaulieu, CEO, DII Tom Charlton, President, EAC
beaulieu@denendeh.ca tcharlton@envair.ca
780-665-5052 403-253-3112 (ext. 2)
867-445-9109 (cell) 403-818-6440 (cell)

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NWT Indigenous Leaders Seek Solutions

admin — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 22:28:24 +0000

NWT Indigenous Leaders Seek Solutions to Address NWT Economic Challenges

December 12, 2018 (Yellowknife) Indigenous leaders representing the Dene, Inuvialuit and Metis gathered in Yellowknife on December 11 & 12, 2018, along with guests from the federal and territorial governments, for a serious discussion regarding the state of the NWT economy, to discuss solutions and that existing programs, policies and practices such as procurement need to be addressed, and how to build unity through partnership and action.

During the two-day meeting, the Indigenous governments discussed a wide range of options for economic collaboration. The leaders agreed that as land holders and rights holders, Indigenous people in the NWT want to take the lead in building our economies and exercising our inherent right to self-determination.

Indigenous participants agreed to work together through a designated committee to advance the work identified by the leaders. There is a proposed meeting early in 2019 to keep the momentum going.

“Let’s harness the desire and expertise of Indigenous people to provide solutions” concluded spokesperson Dehcho Grand Chief Gladys Norwegian.

For more information: Dehcho Grand Chief Gladys Norwegian (867) 445-6150

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NWT Indigenous Leaders Economic Forum Dec 10 -11, 2019

admin — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 16:11:03 +0000

NWT Indigenous Leaders Economic Coalition: Joint Communique

(December 12, 2019) Yellowknife, NT: Indigenous leaders from the Dene, Métis and Inuvialuit met in Yellowknife over the past two days (December 11-12, 2019) to review and endorse a framework on how they will collaborate to invest in important projects.
This two-day Forum built on the momentum and consensus from previous gatherings and took the important step of outlining how to seek and implement opportunities and invest in projects together while instilling investor confidence in others. During the Forum, the Indigenous leaders collaborated on a Framework for a 5 Year Strategic Plan.

This work will be completed through the formation of an Investor Committee which will include representatives from the Dene, Métis and Inuvialuit.
The framework is built on two immediate priorities: identifying and investing in initial projects within the first year, as well as pursuing the development of a venture investment fund for future opportunities.

The vision for this Coalition is “to advance Indigenous governments and businesses in the NWT becoming leaders in the NWT economy and to share wealth creation across the NWT” said Tlicho Grand Chief George Mackenzie.

Gwich’in Grand Chief Bobbie Jo Greenland-Morgan said, “We are the descendants of First Peoples of this territory, we are the land-owners and rights holders, we have the ability to influence the future of our economy to benefit everyone.”

NWT Indigenous Leaders Economic Coalition

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Jordan McLeod, Chair of Aklavik Inuvialuit Community Corporation added, “We are happy to be here and look forward to working with the other Indigenous organizations.”

Marc Whitford, Vice President of North Slave Métis Alliance, echoed statements of other leaders that, “It is imperative that Indigenous-led businesses take back opportunities that typically flow to businesses from the south.”
The motivation coming out of the Forum was described by Sahtu Grand Chief Wilbert Kochon as “Let’s do it! The opportunities are there, we need to work together to capture them.”

Consensus of the framework was reached at the end of the last day. Darrell Beaulieu, President and CEO of Denendeh Group of Companies was appointed as the spokesperson for the Coalition.

For more information: Darrell Beaulieu (867) 920-2764

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Opportunities Forum Yellowknife, Denendeh January 15 & 16, 2013

admin — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 16:30:17 +0000

Yellowknife, NT: Indigenous leaders from the Dene, Metis and Inuvialuit of the NWT met in Yellowknife on May 16, 2018 to explore ways to work together and set priorities to stimulate and drive the territorial economy. This notable one-day discussion focused on ways Indigenous governments can utilize our authorities and provisions contained in the treaties, and land, resource and self-government agreements to meet our economic objectives. Existing Impact and Benefit and Participation Agreements will be respected. As well as moving forward with our current business partnerships that are all important and valuable as building blocks of our respective communities.

During the Forum the Indigenous leaders confirmed a will to work together based on the traditional values of sharing and helping each other. We acknowledged our power and authority as rights holders and discussed ways to monetize those rights to provide own-sourced revenues to improve the social and economic well-being of our members. Indigenous owned transportation, energy and communication corridors would open the exploration and development of our natural resources and help bring those resources to market; address the NWT’s infrastructure deficit; and help close the income disparity between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents in the NWT. Member of Parliament Michael McLeod and Hon. Wally Schumann, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment and Infrastructure participated in the discussions and senior officials from the federal and territorial governments and business and industry leaders attended as observers.

“There is consensus to work together and as leaders we have to determine how we will
move forward,”

concluded Darrell Beaulieu, President and CEO of the Denendeh Group of Companies who facilitated the Forum. Participants were asked to review a draft MOU for working together and provide their input into the next Indigenous Leaders Economic Forum, tentatively set for December 3 & 4, 2018.

For more information: Darrell Beaulieu (867) 920-2764

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