Dene chiefs continue call for major projects participation, benefits

Leaders spoke on the need for meaningful partnership from the beginning of major projects during the first day of the 2026 Dene National Assembly, hosted this year by Kátł’odeeche First Nation.

“The North is going to be developed. We have to be partners in it. No longer allow [the federal government] to do what they want,” said Yellowknives Dene First Nation Ndılǫ Chief Fred Sangris.

Many chiefs spoke about the way the Government of Canada has historically developed their traditional lands without their consent, and said with the three major infrastructure projects being considered – the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor, Mackenzie Valley Highway and Taltson hydro expansion – the federal and territorial governments need to consult Indigenous people.

“We around the table have to talk to Canada and, if you want to build those projects, you have to deal with us first, you have to make agreements with us first. Then the project goes ahead,” said Dene National Chief George Mackenzie.

“We need to remind Canada that our people have occupied and protected and maintained these lands since time immemorial,” said Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation Chief Kele Antoine.

Delegates like Inuvik Native Band Chief Robert Charlie said they aren’t opposed to major projects, they just have to be developed “on our terms.”

“We want to ensure the protection of the resources that we depend on,” said Charlie.

“We want to be involved in any economic opportunities that arise. We want training in the communities. We want to build the capacity of the people in the community to be able to participate.”

Antoine said he wants meaningful contract opportunities, ownership of major infrastructure and long-term wealth creation from partnerships with the federal government on major projects.

“If Canada is prepared to invest billions of dollars in their northern infrastructure and Arctic sovereignty, then our nations must be positioned to benefit from it,” said Antoine.

Jeff Rosnawski, a Yellowknives Dene First Nation councillor, noted the Department of National Defence is including Indigenous opportunity considerations in its procurement process and has also adapted its procurement to increase benefits to Indigenous people.

Rosnawski said he wants those efforts tracked diligently “to ensure these benefits are being thought of and established with Indigenous peoples in the North.”

The message from leaders to one another on Tuesday was the need for Indigenous governments to collaborate.

“We really need to speak in one voice to be strong,” said Sangris.

“We do have to work together because we are stronger together,” said Rosnawski. “Especially when you need to establish strong mitigations to ensure we’re being responsible stewards of the land, and we’re not putting ourselves in situations as we were in the past where we weren’t fully benefiting.”

Meaningful consultation

Leaders also advocated that the federal government’s focus on development should also include protection for food security, wildlife and the environment.

During a presentation on the Major Projects Office and the northern projects it is considering, representative Amy McCall reiterated many times that the Building Canada Act – which allows some federal regulatory approvals to be fast tracked – does not impact consultation requirements through treaty rights, section 35 of the constitution, or territorial environmental assessment processes.

McCall said every project considered for referral to the Major Projects Office is evaluated using five criteria, including whether it aligns with Indigenous interests.

Many of the chiefs, during opening remarks and throughout the assembly, said ensuring Aboriginal and treaty rights are protected – and consultation is carried out meaningfully – is a priority.

“Our treaty and our Aboriginal rights must be respected. Meaningful consultation and accommodation must remain central to these projects. Economic opportunity should never come at the expense of those rights,” said Antoine.

‘Water issue is number one priority’

Also during the assembly’s first day, delegates heard presentations on Bill S-2 (which amends the Indian Act), protection of caribou, emergency management, and advocating for the water.

Gerry Cheezie, co-chair of Keepers of the Water and former chief of the Tthebatthie Denesųłiné Nation, recently travelled to Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, to attend Suncor’s engagement sessions on its plans to treat and release oil sands tailings.

Speaking at the assembly, he brought forward his concerns and research into contaminated water’s negative health effects as seen in communities like Fort Chipewyan.

“The water issue is number one priority in my books,” said Cheezie.

Cheezie said the Chiefs Steering Committee on Technical Services – an advisory and oversight group for First Nations of treaties 6, 7 and 8 – is considering pursuing a court case for cumulative impacts on treaty rights related to water. He called on the Dene Nation to join as an intervener.

Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam asked chiefs in attendance and the Dene Nation to “speak up” about water issues.

“You need to get on board, to start talking about what you want to see done for your community, and band together,” said Adam.

Mackenzie said the Dene Nation has a “serious concern about the water” and suggested it needs to hold a gathering just on that topic.

The Dene National Assembly continues Wednesday afternoon and Thursday, and can be watched live on the Dene Nation’s YouTube channel.