The federal government has started a formal review of a proposed 400-kilometre highway that would cross Tłı̨chǫ lands, with a community meeting set for Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories. In March 2026, the project was sent to the Major Projects Office to begin assessing how the new road would impact the environment and local communities.
The Tłı̨chǫ Government and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation are leading the project together with support from the Government of the Northwest Territories. This all-season road is designed to connect the region to the Arctic coast in Nunavut and a new deepwater port.
Local leaders say this project is a way for Indigenous governments to take the lead on large-scale work in their own backyard. The goal is to create new jobs and access minerals in the ground, which could help the economy as the Diavik diamond mine prepares to end production tomorrow, March 24, 2026.
Residents in Behchokǫ̀ are invited to an information session on March 30, 2026, to learn more about the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor. The meeting will focus on how the road might affect the land and the Bathurst caribou herd, which is a vital part of life for people in the area.
This project is one of four major northern initiatives being fast-tracked for review by the federal government. Officials are working to ensure the project moves forward while balancing environmental protection with future economic opportunities for the territory.
