Behchokǫ̀, NT – Thursday, July 3, 2025 – The Tłı̨chǫ Government will host a special opening ceremony on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Russell Lake spiritual gathering area (location link below) at 9:00 a.m. to celebrate the launch of their major reforestation project. This will mark the beginning of the largest reforestation effort ever undertaken in the Northwest Territories. The opening ceremony will feature traditional drumming and an opening prayer to bless the land, beginning the project with cultural reverence and good faith. Media and community members are invited to attend. 

This project is an effort to push back against the effects of climate change and is focused to supporting regeneration of the land and restoration of habitat for Caribou and all people and animals that use the land.

This summer, 1.4 million trees will be planted around Behchokǫ̀, Russell Lake, and James Lake. These trees — grown from locally harvested seeds—are the first step in a six-year plan to plant 13 million trees across Tłı̨chǫ lands.

In response to worsening wildfires and shrinking forests, this project will accelerate natural regeneration, protect wildlife, and strengthen Tłı̨chǫ ties to the land. It will also create local job opportunities and career pathways in reforestation and land stewardship.

The Tłı̨chǫ Government is working with experienced forest industry partners this year, to gain experience and building local knowledge and capacity.  

This project is funded in partnership with the Tłı̨chǫ Government, the Government of Canada’s 2 Billion Trees program and Tree Canada. 

Russell Lake Spiritual Gathering Area: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nEL5VJrCdDvWTjnY8

Media Contact:
Paul Cressman
Program Development Officer
Department of Culture and Lands Protection

P: 867-446-4215
E: [email protected]