Thaıdene Nëné badı xá (Working with Thaidene Nëné): Thaidene Nëné Relationship Plan, the management plan for Thaidene Nëné — Draft

On this page

• Glossary
• Terms and meanings
• Introduction
• Background
• Planning context
• Guiding principles
• Vision statement
• Goals, objectives, targets/indicators
• Zoning for visitor activities
• Monitoring and evaluation

Glossary ^{Footnote 1}

Thaıdene Nëné badı xá uses Dene Yatı (the Dene language used in the Thaidene Nëné area) for places and names. There is variation within, as well as between, languages and dialects used in the area. Different families use different words and/or spellings for things.

This document uses the following Dene Yatı terms, as outlined in Table 1.

Terms and meanings

In this document the following terms have certain meanings, as outlined in Table 2.

Introduction

Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area (Thaidene Nëné) is located within the territories of the Akaitcho Dene First Nations and the Northwest Territory Métis Nation in the Northwest Territories, Canada (see Figure 1).

Figure 1 – Where is Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area

Figure 1 – Where is Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area — Text version

On the top right corner, an inset map locates Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area and the Northwest Territories within Canada. The larger map locates Thaidene Nëné within the Northwest Territories. On the large map, Thaidene Nëné is located near the community of Łutsël K’é, on the east shore of Tu Nedhé (Great Slave Lake). It stretches from the East Arm of Tu Nedhé (Great Slave Lake) to the tundra.

Thaidene Nëné, which means “Land of the Ancestors”, has sustained the Indigenous peoples from time immemorial. Thaidene Nëné is a largely pristine and healthy landscape and is the result of countless generations who have cared for the land and water. Nuwé ch’anıe, the principle that describes all values and knowledge systems of the original Indigenous peoples of the area, is inherently connected to the land and is vital to the ongoing stewardship of Thaidene Nëné.

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 Thaidene Nëné ancestors, the land, water, and animals.

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.

How does this plan support people?

For Indigenous peoples whose territory includes Thaidene Nëné:

Thaıdene Nëné badı xá ensures and respects the practice of Aboriginal and treaty rights. Indigenous laws and traditions are the foundation for looking after Thaidene Nëné. This plan ensures that the relationship between people and land, and nuwé ch’anıe continues.

For Indigenous business owners from signatory Indigenous governments:

Thaıdene Nëné badı xá helps support Indigenous economic development for members.

For tourism licence holders and people who hold leases in Thaidene Nëné:

Thaıdene Nëné badı xá ensures the ecological integrity and cultural continuity of Thaidene Nëné remain strong, while continuing to welcome visitors.

For visitors to Thaidene Nëné:

Thaıdene Nëné badı xá helps define what a respectful and positive visitor relationship with this land looks like, sets out what activities can happen where, and the importance of story that visitors will learn from Thaidene Nëné and nuwé ch’anıe.

For those that never come here:

Thaıdene Nëné badı xá is assurance that this spectacular place is being well cared for. Things that the public may associate with northern Canada - like caribou and muskox, tundra, clean water, adventure, beauty, vibrant Indigenous cultures, and vast and wild spaces - will continue to exist because of what is being done to ensure healthy and respectful relationships with Thaidene Nëné.

Background

In Thaidene Nëné, there is a living connection between the land, the water, the plants, animals, and people. Indigenous ways of life are practiced, nurtured, and passed on to future generations.

Thaidene Nëné is the heart of the Łutsël K’é Dene homeland, where many generations ago, the ancestors established the foundations for the Dene way of life, a way of life that continues to be practiced today. At the centre of Thaidene Nëné is Tsąkuı Thedá. It is the most important cultural and sacred place in Thaidene Nëné for the original Indigenous peoples of the area.

Thaidene Nëné is a rich cultural landscape that includes many ancient trails, camps, and village sites. There are numerous places of spiritual and cultural importance to the descendants of Thaidene Nëné ancestors, as represented by Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation, Deninu Kųę́ First Nation, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and the Northwest Territory Métis Nation (referred to as “signatory Indigenous governments” in the plan).

The spectacular landscape of Thaidene Nene has been shaped by glaciers ^{Footnote 6} that have helped form the stunning vertical cliffs, canyons, islands, peninsulas, and waterfalls surrounding Tu Nedhé. Within Tu Nedhé, Ɂıdor Bekue Chëlé Tł’ázı̨ boasts the deepest water in North America, and the pristine waters make for excellent habitat for Lake Trout, Lake Whitefish, Arctic Grayling, Cisco, and many other species. Tu Nedhé is surrounded by boreal forest, which transitions to lichen woodland and on to tundra, as you move northeast. The tundra has giant eskers, important habitat for wildlife, that meander across the landscape.

Many northern species rely on vast, intact areas to thrive, and the forest and tundra landscapes of Thaidene Nëné are an important component of their range. This is a landscape that both Arctic and Boreal species use, such as Barren-ground caribou, muskox, wolverine, grizzly bear, wolf, moose, lynx, and black bear. Important waterfowl staging and bird nesting areas are also found throughout Thaidene Nëné.

What types of protected areas are included in Thaidene Nëné?

Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area is 26,376 km2 in size. Thaidene Nëné was established using Dene law, Agreements with the signatory Indigenous governments, the Canada National Parks Act, and the Northwest Territories’ Protected Areas Act and Wildlife Act. Thaidene Nëné is made up of several parts—a national park reserve, a territorial protected area, and a territorial wildlife conservation area (see Figure 2 ^{Footnote 7}).

The core of Thaidene Nëné is protected as a national park reserve, through the Canada National Parks Act. National parks are established to protect and present outstanding representative examples of natural landscapes that occur in each of Canada's 39 unique natural regions. Thaidene Nëné is considered an outstanding example of the Northwestern Boreal Uplands Natural Region. National parks promote understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in a way that maintains their ecological integrity. In establishing Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve, Parks Canada has also committed to the continuation of Indigenous ways of life.

Figure 2 – Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area

Figure 2 – Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area — Text version

On the top left corner, an inset map locates Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area within the southwest area of the Northwest Territories. The larger map shows the three component parts on Thaidene Nëné in different colors. The largest part is the National Park Reserve in green. The Territorial Protected Area is shown in purple and is divided into three pieces, all adjacent to the National Park Reserve. In the northeast is a Wildlife Conservation Area in yellow.

Other parts of Thaidene Nëné are protected as a territorial protected area through the Northwest Territories’ Protected Areas Act. Thaidene Nëné Territorial Protected Area is established and cared for collaboratively by the Government of Northwest Territories, Indigenous governments, and Indigenous organizations to protect the biodiversity, ecological integrity, and cultural continuity of the Northwest Territories.

The most northerly portion of Thaidene Nëné is designated as a Wildlife Conservation Area under the Northwest Territories Wildlife Act. The area is currently protected from development through a Land Withdrawal Order under the Northwest Territories Lands Act. The Land Withdrawal Order will remain until supplemental mechanisms, such as an approved land use plan for the area, are in place. Thaıdene Nëné badı xá doesn’t apply to the Wildlife Conservation Area, which is managed in accordance with the Wildlife Act.

Fort Reliance National Historic Site is located within Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve near Desnéthcheé (the spiritual gathering site for Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation) in the area known as Taché/Kaché. The site features four stone fireplaces and chimneys that are considered unique relics of the history of the exploration and commerce in Canada's North. Designated in 1953, without the consultation or participation of the original Indigenous peoples of the area, the National Historic Site commemorates Captain George Back's travels along the Thílo dëzé and Great Fish (now Back) River in the 1830s.

Who makes decisions about and takes care of Thaidene Nëné?

Making operational decisions about and taking care of Thaidene Nëné, is the shared responsibility of the Partners, being the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation, Northwest Territory Métis Nation, Parks Canada, and Government of Northwest Territories. Deninu Kųę́ First Nation and Yellowknives Dene First Nation ^{Footnote 8}, through their establishment agreements, also play a key role in providing guidance for stewardship of Thaidene Nëné. The four Indigenous governments that signed agreements (referred to as “signatory Indigenous governments”), have different responsibilities and roles on two boards: Thaıdene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı and the Regional Management Board.

The Partners are ultimately responsible for operational matters within Thaidene Nëné, with operational decisions under the guidance of Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı, which means “those who speak for Thaidene Nëné” being the starting point. Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı provides decisions, which are referrals, to the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation, Northwest Territory Métis Nation, Parks Canada, and Government of Northwest Territories. Tasked with thinking long term for the land and the people, Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı provides direction on planning, operations, monitoring, and evaluation within Thaidene Nëné. Thaıdene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı uses consensus to make decisions. These decisions guide how operations are carried out to protect ecological integrity and Indigenous ways of life and ensure future generations can live in relation to the land as the ancestors did. Members of Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı are appointed by the Partners. Members do not represent the Partner that appointed them; they speak for Thaidene Nëné.

The Regional Management Board provides recommendations and guidance to Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı and provides recommendations to Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation, Government of Northwest Territories, and Parks Canada. Recommendations are made by consensus. Members are appointed by, as applicable, the three Akaitcho Dene First Nations (Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and Deninu Kųę́ First Nation), Government of Northwest Territories, and Parks Canada. Unlike the members who sit on Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı, members of the Regional Management Board are representatives of the governments that appoint them.

Planning context

Thaıdene Nëné badı xá is the first plan for Thaidene Nëné. Much of the work for this first plan 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. The plan is for ten years (2024-2034), and includes a set of guiding principles, a long-term vision for Thaidene Nëné; and a series of goals, objectives, and targets/indicators that will help us make progress towards achieving the plan’s vision.

What hide tanning can teach us about management planning

Throughout the process of developing Thaıdene Nëné badı xá, Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı took inspiration from the practice of hide tanning, which is integral to Indigenous communities with connections to Thaidene Nëné ^{Footnote 9}. Hide tanning offers an appropriate cultural metaphor to demonstrate the steps of management planning (see Figure 3, Hide tanning as management planning, and Table 1).

Figure 3 — Hide tanning as management planning

Figure 3 — Hide tanning as management planning — Text version

The image illustrates the hide tanning process and the corresponding planning steps. A circle is divided into 6 equal slices showing a picture of a hide tanning step in each slice, with an icon on the outside of the circle depicting the associated planning step. The first step (build relationship) is at 12 o’clock and shows people sitting in a sharing circle, each looking at a map in their hands. The associated icon shows collaboration between 3 people. The second step (assess and plan) is at 2 o’clock and shows a moose. The icon shows a check list beside a document. The third step (develop the plan) is a 4 o’clock and shows a man building a wood frame on the ground. The icon shows two persons with a dotted line from their head to a cloud. The fourth step (implement and monitor) is at 6 o’clock and shows a woman tanning a hide stretched on a wooden frame. The icon shows two people with working hats and a toolbox. The fifth step (analyze and adjust) is at 8 o’clock and shows a young woman holding a hide while an Elder woman is inspecting the hide. The icon is showing a person, magnifying glasses and a speech bubble. The six step (share the progress) is at 10 o’clock and shows a pair of beaded mittens with fur. The icon shows two people exchanging a mitt. On the outside of the circle, there is a dotted arrow in clockwise direction between each icon. There is a note in the top left corner of the illustration saying “Within 10 years, review and revise the plan”.

How did Thaıdene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı involve others ^{Footnote 11}?

Thaıdene Nëné badı xá will be further shaped by feedback received through community and public engagement, as outlined in the Thaıdene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı’s Engagement Strategy ^{Footnote 12}.

Guiding principles ^{Footnote 13}

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.

Flowing from nuwé ch’anıe, are six additional principles that will guide the work, and ensure it is being done in the right way and with respect. Each are important for good relationships and planning.

Vision statement

Thaidene Nëné is the homeland of the people whose ancestors laid down the sacred, ethical, and practical foundations of their way of life. This land has nurtured and inspired countless generations whose prosperity continues to be ensured by a deep intimacy between the people and the land. For the wellbeing of future generations, this way of life needs to be exercised, nurtured, and passed on.

The living connection between land and people, between water and land, between forest and tundra makes Thaidene Nëné a national treasure. Carrying these connections into the future, the ecological integrity and the Indigenous ways of life of Thaidene Nëné will be a living legacy for all, where we will welcome the world ^{Footnote 16}.

Goals, objectives, targets/indicators

Thaıdene Nëné badı xá contains five goals, including:

• 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 experience
• Goal 5 — Support opportunities that strengthen Indigenous prosperity and well-being

Each goal focuses on several objectives and identifies targets/indicators for the Partners to implement over the next 10 years ^{Footnote 17}. Each Partner has different responsibilities for implementation as outlined in their agreements ^{Footnote 18}. Annual workplans will be developed by the Partners, in collaboration with Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı.

Monitoring commitments are woven through many of the goal areas. Combined, they create a comprehensive system that addresses the ecological and cultural continuity components that we are seeking to sustain, support and promote in Thaidene Nëné.

Goal 1 – Promote nuwé ch’anıe

Ensuring nuwé ch’anıe is practiced, nurtured, and passed on is vital for the wellbeing of people and the land. Nuwé ch’anıe is strong. However, as Elders pass on, their knowledge of language and culture is at risk. Sacred places within Thaidene Nëné must be protected, and the stories that are told about them must be shared; Aboriginal and treaty rights must be upheld; Dene Yatı must be protected and revitalized; and youth must be mentored.

Objective 1.1

The descendants of the Thaidene Nëné ancestors maintain their relationship with Thaidene Nëné and cultural continuity is preserved.

Targets/indicators

• Harvesting within Thaidene Nëné by the original Indigenous peoples of the area is encouraged.
• Indigenous governments apply their own protocols for their members’ use of Thaidene Nëné.

Objective 1.2

Thaıdene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı uses Dene Yatı in governance, planning, and community engagements.

Targets/indicators

• Thaıdene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı meetings, workshops, community engagement sessions, documents, presentations, advertisements, and other communications include Indigenous languages.
• Indigenous placenames are used in Thaidene Nëné documents, maps, reports, presentations, brochures, videos, etc.

Objective 1.3

Young people are learning nuwé ch’anıe from the Elders.

Targets/indicators

• Land-based Elder and youth programming is delivered in Thaidene Nëné. These programs include sharing language, traditional knowledge, spiritual connections to the land, and Indigenous laws and stories of Thaidene Nëné.

Objective 1.4

Knowledge of cultural resources is recorded to share with future generations.

Targets/indicators

• Important cultural resources are identified, and their condition is documented.

Goal 2 – Sustain the ecological integrity of Thaidene Nëné

Together, the water, soil, rocks, plants, animals, migrations, wildfires, freezing, thawing, and all other parts and processes in the ecosystems of Thaidene Nëné have created a landscape that, for countless generations, has supported nuwé ch’anıe. If Thaidene Nëné remains healthy, it will continue to offer this prosperity. However, Thaidene Nëné cannot speak for itself. We have a responsibility to pay attention to what is happening on the land and to take action to protect it.

Wildfires, extreme weather, and other climate induced impacts have not been experienced before at this magnitude. Climate change creates a significant unknown with factors that are less predictable and more severe. Changing snow and ice patterns, shifting wildlife populations and habitats, increase in invasive species, increased intensity of wildfires, and a changing landscape due to permafrost thaw are just a few examples of observed differences. These rapid changes and industrial development adjacent to Thaidene Nëné are placing increased pressure on wildlife and their habitats.

Along with the uncertainty of the future, the current baseline condition of Thaidene Nëné is not fully understood. Monitoring the state of Thaidene Nëné’s ecological integrity is important to help respond to changes in the landscape.

Increased use of Thaidene Nëné by visitors may also have the potential to negatively impact species and their habitat. Waste left on the land from historical use must also be addressed to ensure healthy lands.

Objective 2.1

All habitats and species are sustained.

Targets/indicators

• Climate change trends, projections, and likely impacts on the biodiversity of Thaidene Nëné are identified and tracked over time, including identifying species presence and distribution. Observations of change are informed by Indigenous knowledge.
• Key habitat within Thaidene Nëné is mapped to support good decision-making.
• The Łutsël K’é Dene Caribou Stewardship Plan (Yunethe Xa Ɂetthen Hadı) is followed by the nation’s members. Other Indigenous governments use comparable tools as appropriate to support the conservation of caribou.
• Fire management planning considers climate change impacts, the protection of the community of Łutsël K’é, critical habitat, species at risk, and other key species such as caribou.
• An integrated research and monitoring program is developed collaboratively. It identifies knowledge gaps and includes research priorities.
• Climate adaptation strategies are guided by immediate impacts and results from research and monitoring programs.
• A water resource protection strategy is developed. It includes visitor/community education and invasive species measures.
• A visitor use management policy upholds ecological integrity goals.
• Harvester education supports the ongoing conservation of key habitats and species in Thaidene Nëné.
• Increased understanding of the carbon balance in Thaidene Nëné and high biodiversity areas is built, including how these areas might be impacted by climate change.

Objective 2.2

Guardians are observing the land and supporting conservation objectives.

Targets/indicators

• An Indigenous guardian program expansion strategy is developed.

Objective 2.3

Historic waste left on the land is addressed, and garbage is cleaned-up.

Targets/indicators

• An assessment of waste sites is conducted to identify locations, and a clean-up plan is developed which includes setting standards and prioritizing sites.
• A “pack it in, pack it out” policy is followed by all users of Thaidene Nëné.

Goal 3 – Maintaining healthy relationships

Relationships in Thaidene Nëné – within and between Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı, the Partners and other signatory Indigenous governments – are complex and, in the past, have often been challenging. Today, these relationships are evolving and at different stages. Thaidene Nëné is being implemented in a time of reconciliation. There is a shared understanding that Thaidene Nëné is going to be different.

Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı has made great progress since its formation in 2021. Positive relationships have been formed, building upon the foundations set out in in the agreements. Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı has formalized its operational procedures and has been successful in meeting its work planning targets and indicators.

The approach to shared management makes room for multiple ways of knowing, being, and doing. It allows for new and innovative forms of collaboration, where everyone has a role in achieving shared outcomes. It requires a commitment to ongoing dialogue, consensus building and a willingness to learn and implement.

Objective 3.1

Thaıdene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı’s decision making is respectful and honours multiple ways of knowing.

Targets/indicators

• Thaıdene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı’s operating procedures and processes welcome different knowledges and approaches, create space for reflection and opportunities to make changes, and strengthen the use of Dene Yatı.

Objective 3.2

The Partners have healthy relationships with each other and work together on implementation.

Targets/indicators

• Joint policy, planning, and communications systems are in place that all Partners have had a voice in developing.
• Operations are collaborative, and human and financial resources are effectively used.

Goal 4 – Create good visitor knowledge and experience

The ancestors walked the trails that their descendants now share with visitors. Sharing Thaidene Nëné means offering meaningful and authentic experiences for visitors, while also contributing to the vitality of ongoing local Indigenous use. The descendants of the ancestors have knowledge and stories to share with visitors that will enrich their experience when they come to Thaidene Nëné.

It is important that visitor experiences have a cultural connection to the ancestors’ stories, and that these stories are conveyed in a culturally appropriate and authentic way. It is also important that we work to tell the whole story of Thaidene Nëné, to shine light on the existence and resilience of the ancestors. As Thaidene Nëné employees and tour operators share this knowledge with visitors, visitors will gain increased reverence for the land, and will tread lightly and with respect. The stories of Thaidene Nëné also reach beyond those who can visit, to all Canadians and to the world.

Thaidene Nëné is just beginning to welcome the world. Developing the infrastructure, protocols and activities that contribute to meaningful experiences for visitors will take time. Understanding who will come to Thaidene Nëné and why, and what their impact will be, will help guide this work and ensure that visitation is sustainable. It will also be important for Thaidene Nëné staff to promote practices for all users that keep the land and water clean and ensure sites are respected.

Objective 4.1

Thaidene Nëné has a diverse visitor offer that provides opportunities to understand and appreciate local Indigenous cultures, histories and values in an accessible, inclusive, and meaningful way.

Targets/indicators

• A tourism strategy is developed that identifies target markets and prescribes authentic, cultural experiences that connect visitors to the land, people and way of life. Product development for visitor markets is harmonized with the use and enjoyment of Thaidene Nëné by local Indigenous people.
• Signatory Indigenous governments are engaged to create a Commemorative Integrity Statement (CIS) for Fort Reliance National Historic Site and revise the Historic Sites and Monuments Board commemoration to reflect the heritage values of the site more accurately.
• A heritage recording and a condition assessment are completed for Fort Reliance National Historic Site.

Objective 4.2

Visitors are welcomed, learn how to respect places of cultural and spiritual importance, and are informed of culturally appropriate behaviours if visiting important sites to ensure visitation is sustainable.

Targets/indicators

• A visitor orientation program is developed. It includes allowable uses of Thaidene Nëné and a visitor code of conduct.
• Visitors receive orientation programming and robust trip planning materials.
• Guardians, staff, and tourism operators working in Thaidene Nëné are trained and supported to welcome visitors and provide them with authentic experiences.
• Visitor access to and behavior at important sites is managed through appropriate tools such as zoning and regulations.
• Zoning and closures are communicated to visitors and enforced.
• A site-specific plan is developed for the Taché/Kaché region, which includes guidelines for visitation.

Objective 4.3

Indigenous cultural activities and languages are central to visitor experiences, products, and promotion.

Targets/indicators

• Interpretive programs are developed based on Indigenous cultures and ways of life and include Indigenous languages.
• Thaidene Nëné products, promotions, advertisements, and visitor orientations include Indigenous cultures, ways of life, and languages.
• Public appreciation for Thaidene Nëné is fostered through promotion and storytelling, even for those who may never visit.

Goal 5 – Support opportunities that strengthen Indigenous prosperity and well-being

Thaidene Nëné has created prosperity for countless generations of Indigenous peoples. Over the past 150 years, the western economy has created new industries and sources of wealth, but Indigenous peoples of the area have been excluded from those benefits. As a protected area, Thaidene Nëné offers a new economy with a host of opportunities. A key priority is the prosperity of members of signatory Indigenous governments.

The establishment and impact and benefit agreements prioritize training and employment for members of signatory Indigenous governments, as applicable. The jobs and business opportunities available to members are focused on the conservation and tourism economy, including jobs with the Partners, as well as business opportunities including guiding, outfitting, catering, and hospitality ^{Footnote 19}.

There have been positive employment gains made since Thaidene Nëné was established in 2019, including multiple jobs created in protected area operations, and a few local business operators now provide licensed tourism services to visitors.

Future policy will aim to reduce barriers to employment for members of signatory Indigenous governments, and support Indigenous businesses, while maintaining the cultural continuity and ecological integrity of Thaidene Nëné, promoting consistency and fairness, and ensuring safe and quality visitor experiences.

Objective 5.1

Business opportunities are created that support Thaidene Nëné and benefit signatory Indigenous governments and their members.

Targets/indicators

• A commercial activity licensing policy and land occupancy policy are developed. These policies promote Indigenous businesses operating in Thaidene Nëné.
• Non-Indigenous applicants for business licences in the National Park Reserve demonstrate how their proposed activities will support and benefit Indigenous communities.
• Business opportunities within the Territorial Protected Area look to support and benefit Indigenous communities where possible (e.g., partnerships, employment, building relationships).

Objective 5.2

Maximize employment opportunities of members from signatory Indigenous governments for all positions within Thaidene Nëné.

Targets/indicators

• Human resource/hiring policies support Indigenous applicants applying for and being successful in attaining and retaining Thaidene Nëné jobs.
• A Thaidene Nëné mentorship/leader-in-training program is developed.

Objective 5.3

Infrastructure barriers to local employment are reduced.

Targets/indicators

• Housing units ^{Footnote 20} are available to support staffing of Thaidene Nëné operational positions in Łutsël K’é.
• An office complex and visitor centre is developed in Łutsël K’é, where staff from Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation, Parks Canada, and Government of Northwest Territories can work together collaboratively.

Objective 5.4

Members from signatory Indigenous governments, including youth, have training and education opportunities related to Thaidene Nëné.

Targets/indicators

• Business development, tourism planning, monitoring, and other training opportunities are provided.
• K-12 students learn about Thaidene Nëné through educational programming.
• Scholarship opportunities are available for members of Partner Indigenous governments.

Zoning for visitor activities

Zoning framework

Zoning is an important tool for encouraging good relationships with the land, ensuring visitors are directed to appropriate areas, and sensitive ecological or cultural areas are protected. Zoning does not impact Aboriginal or treaty rights.

The zoning system for Thaidene Nëné is adapted from the Parks Canada system allowing for a unified approach for all protected areas within Thaidene Nëné ^{Footnote 21}. Cultural continuity and Indigenous ways of life are foundational to Thaidene Nëné agreements, and the Government of Northwest Territories’ Protected Areas Act; as such, they are incorporated into the zoning descriptions.

Zoning maps for Thaidene Nëné can be found in Appendix A.

Zone I

Areas within Thaidene Nëné that contain unique, threatened, or endangered natural or cultural features. Preservation is the key consideration. Visitor access is not permitted in some Zone I’s, while in others, visitor access is permitted with restrictions.