The NWT government will hold meetings throughout the territory over the next six weeks to discuss its planned Indigenous procurement policy.
Procurement is the process by which the territorial government selects businesses to deliver the equipment, programs and services it can’t handle in-house.
In a Wednesday press release, the GNWT said the new policy will help increase Indigenous access to government contracts.
“The policy will support local economic growth, job creation and skills development, contributing to stronger, more resilient communities and advancing reconciliation across the territory,” the territory stated.
However, some things need to be nailed down for the policy to work.
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For example, what is the definition of an NWT Indigenous business? And what kind of help do they need to access procurement opportunities?
The territory said it is working with Indigenous governments and organizations on those questions, but is also holding public engagement sessions.
The schedule published by the GNWT includes the following communities and dates:
- April 29: Norman Wells
- May 6: Inuvik
- May 7: Tuktoyaktuk
- May 12: Hay River
- May 13: Fort Smith
- May 27: Fort Simpson
- May 29: Yellowknife
If you’re in another community or can’t make one of the above sessions, you can also leave feedback online.
Correction: April 17, 2025 – 11:52 MT. The territorial government’s press release initially listed the Yellowknife event as May 28. The GNWT has since updated its list to state that the Yellowknife event is scheduled for May 29.
