The federal government has announced $1.5 million in funding for an Indigenous-led mineral exploration initiative in the Northwest Territories, aimed at expanding economic opportunities for northern communities and strengthening Indigenous participation in the mining sector. The investment, delivered through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), will support a three-year exploration program led by the Tłı̨chǫ Government.
The project will focus on aerial surveys, ground prospecting and geological data analysis across the Tłı̨chǫ Region, an area north of Yellowknife known for significant but underexplored mineral potential. Updated geophysical and geochemical information is expected to help attract private-sector investment and identify future mining opportunities on Tłı̨chǫ lands.
Federal officials said the initiative is designed to ensure northern and Indigenous communities benefit directly from resource development while supporting long-term economic growth in the North. The program will also provide training and skills development opportunities for Tłı̨chǫ citizens, helping build local expertise in mineral exploration and assessment.
Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty described mining as an important part of the nation’s vision for economic self-sufficiency and emphasized the region’s strong mineral potential. The announcement was made during the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada convention in Toronto.
