Wrapping Up 2025: WRRB December Board Meeting

The final Board meeting of 2025 commenced with an opening prayer from WRRB Chair Joseph Judas, setting the tone for a productive and successful meeting.

We were delighted to have the company of guest speakers from the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), Tłı̨chǫ Ndek’awoo (Tłı̨chǫ Government), and four youth observers from Tłı̨chǫ communities join us, along with the National Film Board’s Sinew documentary film crew (directed by Melaw Nakehk'o & Lesley Johnson), who filmed the GNWT presentation by Allicia Kelly on survey results from the 2025 Kǫk’èetì and Sahtì Ekwǫ̀ Calving Ground Surveys. Board members were also invited to participate in an in-camera session – a rewarding opportunity.

The Board reviewed and approved several Business items, including Reforestation of Tłı̨chǫ Land, presented by Paul Cressman; proposed Statuses for Sahtì, Bluenose-West, and Cape Bathurst Ekwǫ̀ Herds – ACCWM; COSEWIC Species Designation for Grizzly Bear, Western population; posting Transverse Lady Beetle Management Plan to SARA Registry; increased Harvest of Mackenzie Wood Bison; Wolf Harvesting Program; and the Wildlife Act Meeting. 

Party Updates:  

• Environment and Climate Change (ECC), GNWT – Updates from Lawrence Lewis on the 2025 Forest Fire Season and Wood Permitting, and from Rhonda Kindopp and Karin Clark on other ECC programs.
• Tłı̨chǫ Ndek’awoo – Updates from Stephanie Behrens on Tłı̨chǫ Dìga Harvesting Program and Tłı̨chǫ Harvest Monitoring Program, and from Paul Vesci on Tłı̨chǫ Aquatic Monitoring Programs.

WRRB Board and staff also gave their heartfelt farewells to Steven Matthews on his last day as a Board member. Steven, nominated by the Government of the Northwest Territories, dedicated many valuable years to the WRRB with wisdom and knowledge, thoughtful input, and a caring hand. Masì cho, Steve!