Tłı̨chǫ Government, YKDFN, and GNWT Partner to Support Residents and Resource Sector

by ahnationtalk on October 9, 202527 Views

October 8, 2025

The Tłı̨chǫ Government (TG), Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN), and Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) are working together to support workers, businesses, and communities affected by recent changes in the diamond mining sector — while laying the foundation for a more diverse resource economy.

With the Diavik Mine expected to close in 2026 and recent layoffs across the sector, the economic impacts are being felt across the territory — and the global diamond industry as a whole. In response, the three governments are ensuring that Northerners have access to immediate supports, while also advancing long-term economic opportunities that will strengthen communities, create new jobs, and build resilience for the future.

Immediate supports

A centralized online resource hub outlining programs from all three governments is now live. Plain-language handouts and staff tools are in development to make information easier to access.
Shared intake and referral pathways to improve client navigation and ensure residents are quickly connected to the right supports.
Community drop-in events where representatives from TG, YKDFN, and GNWT will meet directly with impacted workers.

Job referrals and supports to connect affected employees with opportunities and provide resume/application assistance.

Planning for the future

Beyond immediate person-centered supports, the partnership is focused on long-term resilience and growth. This includes:

Federal advocacy: Ongoing dialogue with the Government of Canada to secure targeted supports for the resource sector, for Indigenous Communities, and for Northerners affected by mine closures, including retraining initiatives, housing investment, and infrastructure funding.
Strategic investment and procurement: Identifying ways to ensure government spending delivers maximum benefit to Indigenous and Northern businesses and communities — including through housing investments, advancing mine site remediation projects, and aligning with national priorities such as the Arctic Economic Security Corridor.
Business attraction and regulatory efficiency: Supporting efforts to promote the NWT’s resource potential by eliminating duplication and strengthening regulatory efficiency to protect the environment and improve our competitiveness.
Business development and diversification: Encouraging Indigenous and Northern businesses to explore new opportunities, diversify their operations, and prepare for emerging sectors such as clean energy, tourism, fisheries, and conservation.

Quotes

“We know the current and upcoming changes in the diamond industry are difficult for workers, families, and communities across the Northwest Territories. The non-renewable resource sector has been — and will remain — the backbone of our economy, providing good jobs and supporting strong communities for decades. While this transition is challenging, it is also a moment to build on that foundation: investing in nation-building projects, modernizing our regulatory system to bring new projects online more efficiently, and creating space for new industries and innovations to grow. By working together with Indigenous governments and the federal government, we can support Northerners today while building a stronger, more resilient, and diversified economy that creates new opportunities for Northerners.”

Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment

“The closure of diamond mines is something our community is feeling directly. Many of our members have worked in this sector for years, and the impending shutdown creates real uncertainty. As leadership, we are taking a coordinated approach to address this loss for YKDFN members and businesses. Our governments are working together to provide services, training and guidance to help members adjust and prepare for the transition. Our focus is on building stability for our community and ensuring that no one is left behind as we move through this period of change.”

Chief Ernest Betsina, Yellowknives Dene First Nation

“For decades we have had strong and collaborative relationships with the mining sector, and we hope to see that continue for years to come. There are great opportunities in the NWT for further resource and economic development, and we are working together to create nation-building projects, including the Arctic Economic Security Corridor, to transform and expand the NWT economy. Many of our community members are being impacted by the layoffs and our goal is to provide supports to help mine workers transition to new employment and training opportunities. Through these transitional times, we must all come together, and Tłı̨chǫ Government is committed to supporting our citizens, the sector, and economic growth in new opportunities.”

Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty, Tłı̨chǫ Government

Quick facts

The Diavik Mine is expected to close in 2026, adding to recent layoffs across the diamond mining sector.
The GNWT, TG, and YKDFN have launched a shared intake process and joint community events to connect impacted residents with supports.
The online resource hub is now live at, with additional plain-language handouts and staff tools in development.
Governments are aligning immediate supports with long-term investments in nation-building infrastructure, regulatory reform, and business diversification.

Tłı̨chǫ Government, YKDFN, and GNWT Partner to Support Residents and Resource Sector

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