The Tłı̨chǫ Government and Yellowknives Dene First Nation have reached consensus on a proposed corridor for the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor (AESC), a planned all-season road connecting the Northwest Territories to the Nunavut border. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the Indigenous-led infrastructure initiative, which is being developed in partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories and with support from the Government of Canada.
The proposed corridor is approximately 30 kilometres wide and is not a final road route. The precise alignment will be determined through additional engineering, environmental and regulatory work, along with continued engagement with Indigenous communities, neighbouring governments and other interested parties.
More than a year of technical studies, community-led research, Traditional Knowledge and western science informed the decision. Protecting caribou and their migration routes was a central consideration, alongside long-term economic opportunities, Indigenous leadership and improved connectivity for northern communities.
The proposed corridor also has the potential to support mineral development and provide year-round transportation access to remote communities, including Wekweètì. Maintaining a connection to Gamètì remains an important priority for the Tłı̨chǫ Government.
Both Nations acknowledged that reaching consensus required compromise, but said the process demonstrates how Indigenous governments can work together to address complex regional infrastructure decisions. They emphasized that identifying the corridor is the beginning of a broader conversation, with further community input and environmental considerations expected to shape the project as it advances.
