Pehdzéh Kı̨́ First Nation and the Government of the Northwest Territories’ Workplan Progress Update

Press Release

May 4, 2026

The Pehdzéh Kı̨́ First Nation and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) are pleased to share progress on routing work for the Dehcho portion of the proposed Mackenzie Valley Highway (MVH).

This work marks an important milestone under the joint workplan established in September 2025. Over the past several months, Pehdzéh Kı̨́ First Nation and the GNWT have worked collaboratively to explore a potential hybrid corridor through the Dehcho region. Two community-based workshops were held in Wrigley, bringing together the Chief and Council, community members, GNWT staff, and technical experts from both parties.

The workshops created space for open discussion, information sharing, and joint problem-solving. The GNWT provided updates on engineering, environmental, and biophysical studies, while Pehdzéh Kı̨́ First Nation and members shared knowledge, perspectives, and concerns as well as technical analysis. Discussions were respectful, constructive, and focused on identifying a path forward.

Throughout this process, several corridor options were reviewed, including potential benefits and challenges. The Pehdzéh Kı̨́ First Nation and the GNWT have now reached consensus on a new preferred corridor located approximately five kilometres east of the previously proposed route.

Next Steps

The GNWT will continue working with Pehdzéh Kı̨́ First Nation and the project’s engineering team to further refine a potential route within the agreed upon corridor. This ongoing collaboration will help ensure that PKFN’s Aboriginal and Treaty rights, as well as community knowledge and priorities, are recognized and continue to guide project planning.

The refined alignment will be developed with Pehdzéh Kı̨́ First Nation before being formally submitted into the environmental assessment process, where it will undergo detailed review, including potential environmental, cultural, and community impacts.

Both the Pehdzéh Kı̨́ First Nation and the GNWT are encouraged by the progress to date and remain committed to maintaining a respectful and cooperative approach as the project moves forward.

Quotes

“Reaching consensus on a corridor through this process is an important step forward. This work reflects the ongoing collaboration between the GNWT and Pehdzéh Kı̨́ First Nation to ensure project planning is informed by Indigenous knowledge, rights, and priorities. The Mackenzie Valley Highway is part of a long-term approach to connect communities, strengthen the economy, and ensure Arctic security and sovereignty.”

– Caroline Wawzonek, Minister Responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains

“Reaching consensus on a preferred corridor reflects the work our leadership and community members have put into this process. We have always been clear that any decisions on the Mackenzie Valley Highway must respect our rights, our knowledge, and our responsibility to the land. The new corridor shows that collaborative planning, grounded in free, prior, and informed consent, can move this work forward with predictability, efficiently, and in a way that reflects our priorities.”

– Chief Jamie Moses , Pehdzéh Kı̨́ First Nation

Quick facts

The Mackenzie Valley Highway is a proposed all-season road that would connect communities in the Dehcho region and improve year-round transportation access in the Northwest Territories.
Strengthening northern transportation and energy corridors helps reduce the cost of living, improve access to essential goods, and support more reliable service for communities.

The MVH is a critical corridor to connect the south to the Arctic coastline, to ensure a dependable route to fulfil both supply chain and security needs.