Thaidene Nëné | Decades in the Making

Decades in the Making

Łutsël K’é Dene have been working to make Thaidene Nëné a reality for decades.
This timeline introduces some important milestones and people in the history of the Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area.

1970

Chief Pierre Catholique (left) and Council refuses to consent to a national park because of their concern that it would impact the harvesting lifestyle of the Łutsël K’é Dene.

1982

Canada again approaches Łutsël K’é about a national park. Hereditary Chief Joe Lockhart famously tells government officials to “pack up their maps and go."

1990s

Diamonds and precious metals are found in the traditional territory of the Łutsël K’é Dene.
This triggers an industrial development boom

2000

Chief Felix Lockhart, concerned about the land and wildlife, initiates discussions with Parks Canada about a potential park.

2004

Chief Archie Catholique and the community approve
a name and boundary for Thaidene Nëné.

2006

Chief Addie Jonasson and Council sign a memorandum-of-understanding with Parks Canada to investigate the feasibility of Thaidene Nëné. The land is put under interim land withdrawal through the Akaitcho Process.

2010

Chief Steven Nitah signs a framework agreement with the
Government of Canada outlining the negotiation process for Thaidene Nëné. In the fall, Chief Antoine Michel initiates formal negotiations.

2013

Negotiations with the Government of the Northwest Territories begin for a territorial protected area.
Łutsël K’é starts working on strategies for Thaidene Nëné tourism and economic development.

2015

An endowment fund is initiated to support Łutsël K’é's responsibilities towards co-governing Thaidene Nëné.

2018

Establishment agreements are negotiated and ready for ratification by Łutsël K’é, Parks Canada, and the GNWT.

2019

Łutsël K’é ratifies Thaidene Nëné through an all-member referendum (88% of ballots in favour). Łutsël K’é invites the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories to sign the establishment agreements on July 25.