Thaıdene Nëné badı xá (Working with Thaidene Nëné)

Thaıdene Nëné badı xá will be the first relationship plan for Thaidene Nëné. The content is foundational, setting out what is needed to ensure that countless generations to come will be able to care for and benefit from Thaidene Nëné. This ten-year plan (2024-2034) includes a set of guiding principles, a long-term vision for Thaidene Nëné, and a series of goals and objectives that will help us make progress towards achieving the vision.
 
A series of workshops engaging Indigenous knowledge holders, community members, and key partners was held to develop the concept for the plan, identify broad goals, and confirm the vision. The draft plan is now ready for consultation and engagement.
 
Thaıdene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı (the operational management board for Thaidene Nëné), Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation, Northwest Territory Métis Nation, Parks Canada, and the Government of Northwest Territories invited input on the draft plan, Thaıdene Nëné badı xá, in March and April 2024. The aim was to ensure Indigenous governments, stakeholders, and Canadians had an opportunity to provide input on the future direction of Thaidene Nëné. The engagement/consultation period is now closed. The feedback received will play an important role in the development of this first plan for Thaidene Nëné.

Read the What We Heard Report

How to pronounce Thaıdene Nëné badı xá

What is a relationship plan?
Protected areas such as Thaidene Nëné are often guided by management plans. These plans set out a long-term vision, specific objectives, and provide strategic direction. However, the term “management” implies control and ownership over the land, as well as a level of separation between land and people that does not exist within Indigenous worldviews. We have chosen to name this management plan a relationship plan. This designation highlights the importance of the relationships between the descendants of the Thaidene Nëné ancestors, the land, water, and animals.
 
The plan will be reviewed every ten years. This provides continuity and ensures the plan stays relevant.

Nuwé ch’anıe
Nuwé ch’anıe is the principle that describes Dene values and knowledge systems, with responsibilities to care for the land, water, and wildlife. Nuwé ch’anıe encompasses cultural, linguistic, political, and ecological understandings of the relationship the original Indigenous peoples of the area have with Thaidene Nëné. Ensuring nuwé ch’anıe is practiced, nurtured, and passed on is vital for the well-being of people and ensuring cultural continuity.

Thaıdene Nëné badı xá is built on the foundation of nuwé ch’anıe that has conserved Thaidene Nëné for millennia. The plan draws on the strength of nuwé ch’anıe and provides direction on how we will continue to steward Thaidene Nëné for generations to come.

Guiding principles
Seven principles guide operations and planning. The overarching principle is nuwé ch’anıe. Six additional principles ensure work is being done in the right way and with respect. Each principle is important for good relationships and planning.

What hide tanning can teach us about planning
Throughout the process of developing Thaıdene Nëné badı xá, Thaıdene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı took inspiration from the practice of hide tanning, which is integral to Indigenous communities with connections to Thaidene Nëné. Hide tanning offers an appropriate cultural metaphor to demonstrate the steps of planning.

Planning process timeline

Draft plan (March 2024)
To learn more about what is in the draft plan, you can read the whole plan. 

Read the Draft Plan

​You can also read topic-specific information:

• Goal 1 Promote nuwé ch’anıe
• Goal 2 Sustain the ecological integrity of Thaidene Nëné
• Goal 3 Maintain healthy relationships
• Goal 4 Create good visitor knowledge and experiences
• Goal 5 Support opportunities that strengthen Indigenous prosperity and well-being
• Zoning

Share your thoughts

The comment period ended on April 28, 2024.

The feedback received will be considered by Thaıdene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı and the shared management partners in the development of the final draft plan.

Community engagement sessions were held in the following communities:

There was also a pop-up event in Yellowknife on Wednesday, April 17, from 10.00am to 2.00pm at the Greenstone Building. 

Information Bulletins

March/April Bulletin