Łutsël K’é, NWT — On September 29, Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation in the Northwest Territories will be honoured at the 2020 Equator Prize Award Ceremony, coinciding with the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit and the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly. The virtual ceremony will feature remarks by decision-makers, celebrities, and the 10 prize winners—whose work represents community-led conservation projects from around the world.
 
The United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Equator Initiative is a partnership that recognizes global stories embodying the future we need: local, nature-based solutions that help achieve multiple sustainable development goals

Łutsël K’é, NWT — ​This summer, visitors will be able to access Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve lands and waters for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, trekking and shoreline lunches. The national park reserve is part of Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area (IPA), which also includes a territorial protected area and a proposed conservation area, which was established in August 2019.

Parks Canada recognizes that there are significant health and wellness benefits to being outdoors during this time.

Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve and Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area have special requirements for visitors. Visitors are asked to plan ahead by checking the Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve website before they travel to find out more information about the rules and regulations that apply:

• Visitors must register at the following website, prior to travelling in the national park reserve: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nt/thaidene-nene/visit/inscription-registration
• Parks Canada fishing permit is required for national park reserve visitors who want to fish. Fishing permits are available for purchase online.
• The community of Łutsël K’é is the nearest gateway to Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve.
• The Łutsël K’é Dene Band asks that visitors hold off visiting the community at this time. Inquiries can be made by emailing: tdndepartment@gmail.com.​​

Łutsël K’é, NWT — Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation in the Northwest Territories has been named one of 10 winners of the 2020 Equator Prize. Awarded by the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Equator Initiative, the prestigious prize celebrates Indigenous peoples and local communities pioneering nature-based solutions to climate change and for sustainable development.
 
Łutsël K’é was recognized for its decades-long work to establish Thaidene Nëné—an Indigenous Protected Area, that has been protected working in concert with its Territorial and Federal governing counterparts, that spans 6.5 million acres (26,376 km2) at the transition between boreal forest and tundra. It will permanently protect the forest, tundra and freshwater systems of Tu Nedhé  (Great Slave Lake).
 
The Equator Prize is awarded roughly every two years to recognize and advance local sustainable development solutions for people, nature, and resilient communities. This year, Łutsël K’é was selected from among nearly 600 nominations in more than 120 countries. The award winners represent global leaders who are pioneering Indigenous-led strategies for sustainably protecting, restoring, and managing ecosystems to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, help communities adapt to climate change, and create a green new economy.