On July 17, 2026, Environment & Climate Change (ECC), Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and Tłı̨chǫ Government (TG) submitted a joint management proposal, entitled “Joint Proposal on Management Actions for the Bluenose-East Barren-ground Caribou (Sahtì Ekwǫ̀) Herd 2027-2030”(“the Proposal”) to the WRRB, outlining proposed management actions for Sahtì Ekwǫ̀ in Wek’èezhìı.
Under Section 12.5.1 of the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement, all issues involving management of any wildlife or wildlife habitat in Wek’èezhìı require consultation and review with the WRRB.
Once the WRRB receives the proposals, they are given a level rating – with one being the lowest and three being the highest – regarding how much consultation and review will be needed to move forward.
Following an initial assessment of the Proposal, the WRRB determined that a Level 2 review is appropriate, as per its Rule for Management Proposals.
The Board opened the 2026 Sahtì Ekwǫ̀ Management Proceeding on August 27, 2026, and the record will close on November 6, 2026 – Public participation in this WRRB proceeding is encouraged in accordance with the Board’s Rules. You can find all documents related to the Proceeding on the WRRB’s public registry.
The Board will meet on December 3, 2026, and December 15-16, 2026, to discuss, review, and approve the final determinations and recommendations. The final reasons for decision report will be submitted to TG and GNWT on January 15, 2027.
Traditional Knowledge Technical Session: Behchoko, October 2026.