United by Ekwǫ̀: WRRB at the 20th North American Caribou Workshop

WRRB Board members and staff attended the 20th North American Caribou Workshop (NACW) in Yellowknife from June 16 to 19, 2026. Held every two years, the workshop brings together Indigenous governments and organizations, community members, researchers, wildlife managers, industry professionals, and decision-makers from across North America to share knowledge and experiences that support ekwǫ̀ (caribou) conservation and management.

This year's theme, United by Caribou, brought together people from different backgrounds and disciplines to share knowledge, experiences, and perspectives on caribou conservation and management.

Throughout the week, WRRB representatives contributed to presentations, workshops, panel discussions, and workshop planning. Board Member Janelle Nitsiza spoke during the Day 1 plenary session, Caribou Guardians and Hide Tanners: Honouring Ekwǫ̀ as an Intervention in Caribou Management, alongside Amos Scott and Angela Code. The session explored how Indigenous stewardship and cultural practices continue to play an important role in supporting caribou.

Board Member Suzanne Carrière helped facilitate the NWT Species at Risk Mock Assessment, where participants took part in a mock assessment of Dolphin and Union caribou using the Northwest Territories' unique dual assessment process. This approach considers both Indigenous knowledge and scientific evidence when assessing species at risk.

Executive Director Jody Pellissey participated in a panel discussion about communicating changes in caribou populations across northern regions. Jody shared the Advisory Committee for Cooperation on Wildlife Management's experience with the Red–Yellow status decision for the Sahtì Ekwǫ̀ (Bluenose-East caribou) herd in 2023.

Behind the scenes, Wildlife Management Biologist Laura Meinert and Jody were members of the organizing committee that helped coordinate workshop sessions, panel discussions, and evening events. The week concluded with a banquet celebrating the connections made throughout the workshop, where Laura also performed with the evening's band.

The North American Caribou Workshop was an opportunity for the WRRB to learn from others, share our experiences, and build relationships with people working to support ekwǫ̀ across the North. The knowledge shared at the workshop helps strengthen collaborative wildlife management and supports the stewardship of caribou in Wek'èezhìı.