Caroline Cochrane and Justin Trudeau

Two Indigenous governments in the Northwest Territories are working to establish a new Indigenous protected and conservation area. Deninu Kue First Nation and the Fort Resolution Métis Government are planning to protect portions of their traditional territory in the Slave River Delta and Taltson River watershed. They say the protections are crucial for food security and economic and cultural activities. The groups have signed a $3.1-million contribution agreement with Environment and Climate Change Canada to establish the new area. Ducks Unlimited Canada and the NWT chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society are supporting the effort. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau separately announced this week $800-million in funding over seven years for four large Indigenous-led conservation efforts across Canada.