GNWT Nearing Completion of Hazardous Waste Stockpile Removal from Communities

Yellowknife (July 31, 2025) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is completing the final year of its program to remove hazardous waste stockpiles from solid waste sites in communities across the Northwest Territories (NWT).

Since the program started in 2022, nearly one million kilograms of hazardous waste have been removed from 20 communities in the NWT. Nahanni Butte, Jean Marie River, Aklavik, Inuvik, Délı̨nę, Łutsel K’e and Fort Resolution will be the final communities to have hazardous waste removed from their solid waste sites as part of this program.

In the past, it was common to leave hazardous waste, scrap metal, and other complicated waste types at community solid waste sites. This, combined with the logistical and transportation challenges of moving hazardous waste to proper designated sites in the South, led to large stockpiles of waste in these communities.

Starting in 2010, communities attempted to address hazardous waste removal by utilizing funding opportunities and their own budgets. However, due to limited resources, only partial amounts of the stockpiles could be cleared. The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) applied on behalf of interested Community Governments for the Federal Investing in Canada's Infrastructure Program (ICIP) funding, which covered 75% of the project costs, totalling $5.75 million. Community Governments are responsible for the remaining 25%, which amounts to approximately $2 million. Community Governments have also provided equipment such as loaders and chains, as well as operators and labourers for the project.

The program coordinated regionally with communities. Communities selected for hazardous waste removal in a given year were chosen based on their geographical proximity and employed the same contractor for the entire program. The community of Behchokǫ̀ also allowed the contractor to use its jack stand for hazardous waste clean up in Hay River’s and Enterprise’s solid waste sites.

Solid Waste Management, MACA

Premier of the Yukon Mike Pemberton, Premier of the Northwest Territories R.J. Simpson and Premier of Nunavut P.J. Akeeagok have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on improving trade across the North. 

Through the MOU, the three territories commit to advancing shared priorities through a Territorial Trade Zone framework. This framework will support deeper cooperation by liberalizing trade and labour mobility – including through work toward a shared credential registry – coordinating joint advocacy to the federal government on critical trade-enabling infrastructure and aligning efforts on investment attraction and regulatory frameworks.

This MOU reflects the territories’ commitment to reduce internal trade barriers across Canada, while recognizing the distinct realities of northern and Indigenous economies and demonstrating regional leadership during a period of national economic uncertainty.

The three governments agree that efforts to improve internal trade must respect modern treaties and land claim agreements and actively support Indigenous participation. The Governments of Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are committed to ensuring that Indigenous rights are respected and that Indigenous peoples benefit from economic opportunities. Indigenous participation will be vital to the development of a trade zone spanning the three northern territories.

Read the MOU between the three territories.

Norman Wells — July 28, 2025

Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today following his participation in the community celebration of the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę Government Final Self-Government Agreement in Norman Wells:

“This weekend, I had the honour of joining President Sherry Hodgson and the community of Norman Wells to celebrate a moment generations in the making. The ratification of the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę Government Final Self-Government Agreement marks a major step forward in the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę journey to reclaim and renew their system of governance.

Self-government is about the ability to make decisions for your own people, in your own way. This agreement recognizes that right, and reflects the laws, values, and priorities of the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę. It is a powerful example of what can be achieved through determination, unity, and a clear vision for the future.

It also reflects the direction we are headed as a territory. In the Northwest Territories, we are not building toward a provincial model. We are building something unique— a system rooted in partnership and recognition, where Indigenous governments take on greater authority and the GNWT becomes one of many governments working together to serve the people of the North.

Click here for entire media release.

The NWTAC's Traditional Foods Are Healthy Foods toolkit features a wealth of information on why various traditional foods are good for you including caribou, muskox, ptarmigan, whitefish, seal, grayling, berries, herbs and much, much more.

You can also find a map on traditional foods for health and healing, information on passing along traditional skills and more including a colouring book you can download!

Traditional Foods Are Healthy Foods Toolkit

CHECK OUT THE NWTAC'S WILDFIRE RESOURCES TOOLKIT!

The NWTAC'S Wildfire Resources Toolkit offers a wide range of materials including Fire Smart Presentations, Fire Smart Resources, Fire Smart Radio Scripts, Fire Smart Social Media Messages and Fire Smart Videos including: Building and Putting Out Campfires Safely, Doing Your Part to Prevent Wildfires, Fire's Role in NWT Forests, and How Wildfire Management Decisions Are Made. There are also two French language videos: Le rôle des feux de forêt en écologie forestière en basse résolution, and Notre fonctionnement

Wildfire Resources Toolkit

Fall-Winter webinar series is being hosted by the Canadian Alcohol Policy Evaluation (CAPE) project at the University of Victoria. The CAPE project is a well-established Canada-wide resource for supporting and developing public health-oriented alcohol policy. It has an existing 600+ member community of practice that has mostly focused on provincial/territorial and federal level policy to date. We are offering this special webinar series to increase connections with and learn from those working in municipal, local government and/or community-level contexts.

These webinars will offer people involved in municipal and local government across Canada an opportunity to:

• hear about examples of local-level policies and strategies that have been effective at balancing public-health concerns with community needs
• discuss legal frameworks for alcohol policies, latest research evidence, and resources
• share their own experiences and network with others working on this issue; and
• help shape future research in this area

Click here for more information.

Looking for statistics about rural Canada? 

Take a minute to watch this video to learn what’s available. 

Statistics Canada delivers timely rural and small town data that are relevant to your area, so that you can get the facts on demographics, housing, business, trade and proximity to services.

Climate Planning Support for the North and Prairie Communities

Communities across the Prairies are adapting to a changing climate—whether it's extreme heat, drought or flooding. Meanwhile, across the North, communities are navigating unique climate challenges like permafrost thaw and infrastructure strain. But knowing how to take the first steps towards adaptation isn’t always clear. Climate-Ready Plans and Processes funding supports the critical planning work to take communities from risk to actionable planning that builds confidence and direction.

With up to $140,000 available Climate-Ready Plans and Processes funding can help you start where it matters most—with a solid plan. This is a strategic, cost-effective way to guide local decision-making, prepare for future funding opportunities and build long-term climate readiness into your community’s priorities. 

Click here for more information and to apply.

The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness is now accepting Expressions of Interest for the Homelessness Reduction Innovation Fund, which provides one-time grants for innovative projects aimed at achieving measurable reductions in homelessness in communities. Find out more about the process to apply and learn about the latest solutions emerging from the program as it rolls out.

Click here for more information.

Call for Applications: First Nation-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) Phase IV – Accelerated Program 

Cando and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities are pleased to launch a call for an additional six new First Nation – municipal partnerships to participate in Cohort 3 of the First Nation – Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) Phase IV – Accelerated Program.

Since 2013 and over four cohorts of the program, CEDI has supported a total of 28 First Nation – municipal partnerships to build respectful and sustainable government-to-government partnerships and increase capacity to engage in long-term collaborative planning in community economic development and land-use. 

This intake is best suited for partnerships with 1 First Nation and 1 municipality that have a pre-existing relationship and preliminary ideas for collaborative community economic development initiatives.   

Click here to learn more about this unique program and about the Call for Applications process.

Deadline for joint application submission is Friday, September 26 at 11:59 pm MT. 

The Government of the Northwest Territories is now accepting funding proposals for the Small and Medium Arts Project Grants for projects starting in September 2025.

The Small Arts Project Grant provides up to $5,000 to emerging to mid-career artists, craftspeople and small groups to cover costs for small-scale arts projects (traditional apparel, paintings, etc.) such as art supplies (beads, thread, furs, etc.) studio fees, illustration and design costs, and artistic development.

For more information or to apply, visit www.iti.gov.nt.ca/en/services/arts-project-grant-small.

The Medium Arts Project Grant provides $5,000 to $10,000 to mid-career and established artists, craftspeople and arts and non-arts organizations to cover costs for medium-scale arts projects and events, such as the completion and exhibition of a collection of work (fashion, paintings, etc.), studio/venue fees, illustration and design costs, artistic development, and more.

For more information or to apply, visit www.iti.gov.nt.ca/en/services/arts-project-grant-medium

The deadline to apply for these grants is August 31, 2025.

Staff are happy to help you with your application. For assistance,

mail culturefund@gov.nt.ca or phone 867-767-9347 ext. 71474.

For more information, visit: https://www.iti.gov.nt.ca/en/nwt-arts-council.

Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program North is designed to build capacity for climate change and health adaptation by funding community-designed and driven projects.

Eligible Applicants:

• First Nations and Inuit communities
• First Nations and Inuit organizations, including:
• First Nations associations
• Band Councils
• Tribal Councils
• Self-governing First Nations and Inuit governments

Non-governmental organizations and voluntary associations and organizations, including non-Indigenous associations and organizations, can be eligible if working in partnership with a First Nations or Inuit community

Eligible Projects

The program supports projects that focus on the health impacts of climate change by helping communities:

• Develop and implement health-related adaptation or action plans.
• Identify vulnerabilities in the health system and develop plans to address them.
• Develop and share knowledge-building and communication materials.
• Support adaptation decision-making at the local, regional and national levels.

Funding: Exact amount not disclosed. For more information, contact christa@nwtac.com. 

Deadline: Ongoing. 

Click here for more information and to apply.

Climate Change Preparedness in the North Program provides project funding and guidance to build Northern adaptation capacity and to implement adaptation measures increasing the climate resilience of existing community infrastructure, in support of self-determined priorities.

Eligible Applicants:

• Indigenous and northern communities in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut, NunatuKavut and Eeyou Istchee
• Territorial and regional governments
• Indigenous and Northern organizations
• Academic organizations such as universities and colleges
• Non-governmental organizations

Eligible Projects:

The program provides support to Northern communities and organizations to help them adapt to climate change impacts by funding the following types of projects:

• Vulnerability and risk assessment of climate change impacts
• Development of hazard maps and adaptation plans
• Development of adaptation options
• Implementation of non-structural and structural adaptation measures

Funding is based on project scope and scale. Historical grants have been between $20,000 and $900,000.

Deadline: Ongoing.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Following the Resilient Together: Strengthening NWT Communities Gathering, United Way NWT is pleased to offer a new funding opportunity for participating organizations to develop Service Continuity Plans—concrete, actionable plans to help maintain essential services during future emergencies and disasters.

During the Strengthening NWT Communities Gathering, we heard from participating organizations about the challenges incurred in responding to emergencies on short notice, with limited resources and unclear protocols. This funding is designed to help you build the blueprint you need to be ready next time.

What’s Available:

• Grants of up to $25,000
• Deadline to apply: August 15, 2025
• Project timeline: September 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026

How to Apply: You must submit a completed application form (link below) that includes a budget outlining how funds will be used and a project proposal for developing your service continuity plan.

• Applications due: August 15, 2025
• Decisions will be shared by the end of August.

To be eligible to apply, your organization must:

• Be a registered non-profit, charity, or Indigenous government.
• Provide direct community services within the NWT.

Funding priority will be to those organizations that attended the "Resilient Together" Conference on April 24-27, 2025, however we welcome all organizations to submit an application. 

Click here for more information.

The Healthy Choices Fund (HCF) provides financial support for health promotion and prevention activities within the Northwest Territories. It aims to address risk factors associated with chronic and communicable diseases, as well as injury prevention.

Eligible Applicants: The Healthy Choices Fund is available to Indigenous governments in the NWT, community governing authorities, and non-government not-for-profit organizations.

Eligible Projects: Eligible projects may include new initiatives or enhancements of existing projects. Projects should meet the following criteria:

• The applicant and project must be located in the Northwest Territories.
• Provide activities, programs, and services meeting community or regional needs.
• Propose innovative approaches to existing activities, programs, or services.
• Demonstrate partnerships and collaboration to promote healthy choices.

Funding:

• Total available funds: $418,000 annually.
• Minimum per project per year: $5,000.
• Maximum per project per year: $20,000.

Deadline: Opens April 1, 2025, applications ongoing.

Click here for more information and to apply.

The Take a Family on the Land Program is designed to offset the costs associated with on-the-land activities, so more NWT residents can experience them, as families. 

Eligible Applicants: Any NWT Indigenous government or organization, community/municipal government or not-for-profit association can apply for funding to support their community/clients, provided they are eligible to enter into a contribution agreement from the GNWT.

Eligible Projects: Families will participate in outdoor learning experiences that encompass northern perspectives, like camping, boating, fishing and hunting, storytelling, wood cutting and sharing traditional knowledge. The program is intended for families who may not have other resources to support land-based activities.

Funding: Organizations can apply for up to $10,000 (including administration fee).

Deadline: August 15, 2025.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Adaptation in Action: Implementation Projects funding is intended for communities who are already aware of their climate risks and know which projects will help them make the greatest strides in improving their climate resilience.

Eligible Applicants

• Canadian municipal governments (e.g., towns, cities, regions, districts, and local boards)
• Municipal partners, which include: 
• Municipally owned corporations
• Regional, provincial or territorial organizations delivering municipal services
• Non-governmental organizations
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Research institutes (e.g., universities)
• Indigenous communities

Eligible Projects

To qualify for funding, proposed activities must support eligible applicants to implement measures that reduce impacts from climate-related events and hazards.

• A new or subsequent phase of a climate adaptation project
• Capable of completion within three years 
• Eligible for required approvals, authorizations and permits
• Developed and constructed to ensure that hazard sensitivity is not increased, is not transferred to any parties or to the environment, and is not maladapted 
• Aligned with a priority climate hazard identified in your community’s climate risk assessment or aligned with an action item in your community’s climate adaptation plan.
• A feasibility study or equivalent assessment that outlines objectives, costs, technical feasibility and expected outcomes
• For projects installing new infrastructure: Able to demonstrate resilience to flooding, particularly if infrastructure is in or near a 100-year floodplain. Designs must include mitigation measures to avoid flood-related damage.

Funding: $1,000,000 Grant for 60%* of eligible costs; Up to a maximum of $1 million

Deadline: Round 1 - August 19, 2025.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Addressing the ongoing legacy of residential schools remains an urgent priority for the Government of Canada. This includes supporting Indigenous communities, organizations and families as they seek to research, locate, and document burial sites associated with former residential schools, as well as to memorialize deaths of children and return children's remains home.

Eligible Applicants:

• Indigenous governments, band councils or tribal councils, or its delegated authorities
• An Indigenous not-for-profit organization or group
• Organizations, including Survivor groups, demonstrating a close working partnership with and directed by Indigenous-governed organizations

Eligible Projects:

For initiatives to be eligible under the Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support funding stream, they must be related to one or more of the 140 schools included in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) or one of the five (5) schools in the Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (Anderson).

Eligible activities include efforts to: engage, coordinate, develop and provide capacity support for initiatives; conduct research and knowledge gathering; memorialize and commemorate burial sites, unmarked graves and Survivors; and fieldwork investigation, identification and repatriation of remains.

Funding: Up to $3 million in contribution annually by recipient. 

Deadline: September 15, 2025.

Click here for more information.

Community Wildfire Resilience Contributions provide investments and build partnerships across the whole-of-society to advance FireSmart projects across the NWT.

Investments support organizations in delivering on projects which will address the seven FireSmart disciplines in the NWT.

Eligible Applicants:

• Community governments
• Indigenous governments
• Indigenous organizations
• Non-Governmental Organizations
• Territorial and federal government and agencies
• Neighbourhood associations with sponsorship and/or partnership from any of the above organization(s).
• In these scenarios, the recipient of funds must be an organization established under the laws of the NWT, though the neighbourhood association may be an important partner.

Eligible Projects:

Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the project will advance the seven FireSmart disciplines as defined by FireSmart Canada.

• Interagency cooperation
• Public education
• Cross-training
• Vegetation management
• Emergency planning
• Legislation
• Development
• Funding

Maximum of $300,000 per applicant in a single fiscal year. 

Deadline: Ongoing. 

Click here for more information and to apply.

The Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund supports food and agriculture businesses, as well as other public and private organizations. Investments from NICI support new and existing food initiatives aimed at strengthening and diversifying economic activity in the North. Projects that address food security in Indigenous communities or with other vulnerable people will be given priority.

Eligible Applicants:

NICI supports food and agriculture-related businesses, as well as other public or private organizations, with an emphasis on ensuring fair access to funding for Inuit Nunangat, which includes the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (northern Northwest Territories), Nunavut, Nunavik (northern Quebec), and Nunatsiavut (northern Labrador).

NICI is open to a wide-variety of organizations, including not-for-profit groups, academic institutions, industry associations, local or Indigenous governments, and for-profit businesses. It is also open to provincial and territorial governments.

Eligible Projects:

Eligible activities should focus on ideas that strengthen northern food systems, improve local food production, reduce barriers to food access, provide skills training and capacity building for local and Indigenous food producers, or that focus on innovation.

Funding:

In the territories, the NICI Fund has a budget of $9 million in financial assistance to support a variety of projects through the following streams: 

1. Support to business and entrepreneurs
2. Support to Northern food systems and ecosystems
3. Support for Northern food innovation

Deadline: Ongoing.

Click here for more information and to apply.