Premier says ‘sorry’ for raid of Łútsël K’é culture camp

More than three years after the Łútsël K’é Dene First Nation said NWT wildlife officers carried out an “aggressive and disrespectful” raid of a cultural camp, the territory’s premier has issued an apology.

Officials from the Department of Environment and Climate Change said officers searched the Timber Bay cultural camp site on Artillery Lake in September 2022 as part of an investigation into the illegal harvest and waste of caribou inside a mobile no-hunting zone.

The First Nation has described the raid as excessive, invasive and traumatizing, calling for an apology.

Last month, Łútsël K’é Dene First Nation Chief James Marlowe wrote a letter to Premier RJ Simpson expressing “deep frustration and disappointment” that the territorial government had yet to formally apologize to the First Nation.

He called an internal investigation into the wildlife officers’ conduct “deeply problematic,” saying the First Nation had not been given terms of reference for that review nor clarity on how information provided by its members would be used.

“Reconciliation cannot be advanced while GNWT avoids accountability for the harm the raid has done to our community, and refuses to engage transparently with us about how to move forward with [an] apology and investigation,” Marlowe wrote.

The chief further raised concerns about a lack of territorial support to address infrastructure and housing deficits in Łútsël K’é and improve healthcare, among other priorities.

“Your government has completely failed to address any [of] these serious issues affecting LKDFN, despite repeated requests, commitments and assurances,” the letter stated.

The letter called on the GNWT to:

• provide an apology for the cultural camp raid;
• advance a stalled caribou stewardship plan;
• engage transparently and respectfully regarding the investigation process;
• demonstrate tangible commitments to housing, infrastructure, health and other priority needs in Łútsël K’é; and
• reset its relationship with the First Nation on the basis of respect, accountability and reconciliation.

Chief Marlowe said if the GNWT does not support the First Nation’s priorities, the First Nation will not support major projects being advanced by the territory, including the proposed Arctic Economic and Security Corridor or Taltson hydro expansion.

In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, the premier issued an apology to First Nation members who were at the Timber Bay cultural camp during the search.

“I have heard from leadership and members of the community, and I have taken time to reflect on the impact this had. I understand that this was a deeply difficult and upsetting experience for many people in the community. For that, I am sorry,” he wrote.

“While this took place several years ago, as premier I take responsibility for how we move forward and for making sure we learn from it and do better.”

The premier said he also wanted to clarify why the search took place.

Simpson stated that officers were responding to “credible evidence of illegal harvesting in a protected area.” He said DNA analysis “confirmed a link between harvested caribou and meat found at the camp.”

Simpson noted the Bathurst caribou population has declined significantly in recent years. He said protecting the herd from extinction is “a responsibility we all share.”

According to the latest data from the NWT government, there were an estimated 3,609 Bathurst caribou in 2025 compared to 470,000 in 1986.

“We will continue to protect the Bathurst caribou. And we will do that work in a way that respects Indigenous rights, knowledge, and ways of life,” Simpson said.

“Both of these responsibilities must go hand in hand, and we are committed to getting that balance right.”

Caribou case closed, internal review ongoing

In October 2022, the NWT Supreme Court threw out the warrant that allowed wildlife officers to search the Timber Bay cultural camp.

An ECC spokesperson told Cabin Radio in July 2025 that the department’s investigation into the wasted caribou was closed.

The premier said on Tuesday an internal investigation into the conduct of the wildlife officers who conducted the raid of the cultural camp remains ongoing.

Simpson said the workplace assessment aims to “establish a full and accurate account of events” and “provide a neutral and objective perspective” to help the GNWT identify areas for improvement.

Addressing other priorities raised by Chief Marlowe – including housing, healthcare and community wellness – Simpson said the GNWT shares those priorities. He said territorial investments in Łútsël K’é have included funding for community wellness, on-the-land programming, and support for local services.

“At the same time, I recognize that from the community’s perspective, progress has not always been felt and expectations have not always been met,” he wrote.

“For too long, communities across the North have gone without, particularly smaller communities, and we are working to change that.”

Simpson said the GNWT is committed to an approach “grounded in respect, communication and working together in true partnership,” including regarding long-term development and major projects.

Concluding his statement, Simpson said the NWT has “a real opportunity to build lasting infrastructure and create new opportunities for northerners” with unprecedented national attention on the North and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent referral of three NWT projects to the federal Major Projects Office.

“Realizing that potential will require us to move forward together in true partnership, with a shared focus on delivering results for communities across the territory and ensuring the benefits are felt across the North,” he wrote.

The Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation did not respond to an earlier request for comment related to Chief Marlowe’s letter.

Claire McFarlane contributed reporting.