Patrick Grapes

The 56th Dene National Assembly is being postponed in support of the Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation who are experiencing devastating impacts from wildfires and evacuations since late June. In an announcement issued Friday morning, Dene National Chief George Mackenzie said the assembly is being rescheduled for Sept. 22 to 24 but will still take place in the community of Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ (Ft. Simpson), in Treaty 11 Territory.

Dene National Chief George Mackenzie is calling for greater inclusion of Indigenous voices in decision making around major projects in the territory. The Dene National Chief also called for Indigenous equity ownership and revenue-sharing to be made a standard requirement in major projects. The chief added that projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway, when “built in genuine partnership with Dene communities,” have found success because they were co-created with the communities’ support

Liidlii Kue Chief Kele Antoine says that it may be about another week before the evacuation order can be lifted and community members can return. The chief said that following about 30 millimetres of rain on Thursday, crews are continuing to action hotspots and active fire areas of FS016 including the Wildrose area.

West Point and Łutsël K'é have opened the doors of 26 new homes built through two community-led housing projects. The two housing projects were led by Indigenous governments to address locally identified housing priorities. "Indigenous governments are taking the lead in addressing our housing challenges, and I am encouraged to see Housing NWT working alongside the Lutselk'e Dene First Nation to get these homes to the families who need them," said MLA Richard Edjericon.

Hundreds of community members engaged in over 21,000 “participACTIONs” in Hay River in June. The community was selected as one of 40 finalists from more than 375 across the country in 2026's ParticipACTION Community Challenge. “Community members participated in events ranging from fitness classes to sports programming to family community events such as the Family Party in the Park, Cardboard Boat Races and Asphalt Art," said Courtney Fraser, Hay River's Recreation Programming Supervisor