YKDFN Partnership
The Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) and the City of Yellowknife signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which solidified the government-to-government relationship between the neighbouring communities. In the past, the two organizations have collaborated on projects with no formal strategy in place. The Joint Economic Development Strategy is intended to guide shared economic development interests and provide a framework for the partnership to move forward.
The purpose of the strategy is to support the communities of Yellowknife, Dettah and N’dilo in their efforts to maximize future economic growth and prosperity, to develop this partnership for future collaboration, and to benefit the residents of these communities. This strategy acknowledges the short-term economic challenges of COVID-19, as well as discusses our prosperous shared future.
With the help of business and community input, YKDFN and the City have conducted public consultations to explore economic and business opportunities for the communities.
On March 22, 2021, Council adopted for information the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and City of Yellowknife Joint Economic Development Strategy and its Technical Report.
On April 25, 2022, Council adopted the proposed Implementation Plan for the recommendations arising from the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and City of Yellowknife Joint Economic Development Strategy.
For more information, contact: Department of Economic Opportunities and Investments at (867) 920-5600 or @email
Modern Gold Mining Workshop
Historically built around gold mining, the city faces an economic transition period. The NWT economy for the past decade has been sustained by diamond production, but several diamond mines approach closure. Renewed interest in gold, driven by higher global prices and advances in modern mining technology, presents economic opportunities but is tempered by community concern rooted in the legacy of sites such as Giant Mine.
To support informed public discussion, the City of Yellowknife and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) co-hosted two public workshops in November 2025 to explain contemporary gold mining practices, regulatory safeguards, and Indigenous participation in resource development.
The workshops (Yellowknife City Hall, Nov 22, 2025; Chief Drygeese Centre, Dettah, Nov 24, 2025) aimed to increase community understanding, hear concerns, and foster trust-based dialogue about potential future gold mining in the area. Presentations and panels featured regulators, Indigenous leaders, technical experts, and co-management board representatives. Each full-day session combined technical briefings, regulatory overviews, and facilitated question-and-answer periods.
The City of Yellowknife has released a report summarizing two public workshops last Feb 26, 2026: