Yellowknife (January 29, 2024) – Last week, Cabinet members of the 20^th Assembly of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and officials attended the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) Roundup conference in Vancouver to promote the territory’s mineral resources sector.

Premier R.J. Simpson was joined by Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Caitlin Cleveland, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance and Infrastructure Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jay Macdonald, and Member of the Legislative Assembly Daniel McNeely.

The conference provided an opportunity for GNWT Cabinet members and officials to meet with Indigenous leaders, federal, provincial, and territorial leaders, and industry stakeholders. Discussions centred on the territory's world-class mineral potential and our firm commitment to strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. Noteworthy connections were made with both current and future partners, showcasing the latest developments in new mineral commodities, particularly critical minerals.

Premier Simpson met with several Indigenous leaders, including Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty, to discuss opportunities and challenges in the sector and how a partnered approach to resource development ensures communities and residents see the benefits of the mining industry first-hand. Cabinet members also attended Roundup’s first-ever Tłı̨chǫ Night, hosted by the Tłı̨chǫ Government and Tłı̨chǫ Investment Corporation. The night was a celebration of Tłı̨chǫ culture and an opportunity to learn about mining exploration and development in the Tłı̨chǫ region.

At AME Roundup, the GNWT also hosted several networking and professional development events, including one that connected Indigenous partners with financial institutions to pave the way for enhanced access to capital and increased participation in the mineral sector. Minister Wawzonek and Minister Cleveland also made remarks at a Women in Mining event, where NWT students got the opportunity to engage with government representatives, Indigenous governments, and members of the NWT mining industry.

The relationships cultivated with Indigenous and industry partners will play a key role in the success of the mineral resources sector and the territory’s economy. With a century-long history in the mining industry, the NWT has assumed a leading role in sustainable and responsible mining development. The discussions at events like AME Roundup are pivotal to maintaining this position.

The NWT's potential to meet the demand for critical minerals, coupled with its dedication to responsible resource development, infrastructure advancements, and commitment to a modern, made-in-the-NWT regulatory environment, positions it as an attractive destination for business. 

“The Tłı̨chǫ Government congratulates R. J. Simpson on his role as Premier of the Northwest Territories. We welcome this as an opportunity to collaborate on respectful, responsible, and forward-looking legislation, policies, and practices, and we remain committed to working together to benefit all Tłı̨chǫ residents and Indigenous Governments across the Northwest Territories.” 

- Jackson Lafferty, Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief

“To build a strong resource sector, partnership with Indigenous governments is key. I want to extend my thanks to Indigenous leadership for meeting with us at Roundup as well as the Tłı̨chǫ Government, Tłı̨chǫ Investment Corporation, and Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty for hosting Roundup’s first-ever Tłı̨chǫ night.

 

Only by collaborating with Indigenous governments can we help ensure that the mineral resource sector meets the unique needs of residents and communities.  We must continue to build and maintain strong partnerships with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations. We must continue to advance land claims and self-government negotiations. And we must continue to build the capacity of Indigenous businesses to fully participate and benefit from mineral development projects.” 

- R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories

“I left AME Roundup with renewed hope about the future of the mineral resources sector in the Northwest Territories, and about the partnerships that we have across government and industry. The NWT stands as a strategic hub for economic growth in the industry, with an unwavering commitment to responsible resource development and its emergence as a significant player in the global critical minerals landscape. I am dedicated to cultivating an environment that promotes economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and social inclusivity across this important industry.”

- Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment

Quick Facts

• Twenty six representatives from the GNWT attended AME Roundup this year. The total cost of their participation will be released publicly once fully compiled.
• Canada has identified 31 minerals that they believe will position Canada as a leading supplier of critical minerals – half of which can be found in the NWT.
• The NWT is one of the few regions in Canada that can call itself a producer of critical minerals. We currently have six critical mineral projects that are in early mining and advanced exploration phases.

Related Links

• About AME Roundup

For media requests, please contact:

Press Secretary,
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
[email protected]