Back to Search

Chief James Marlowe, Łutsel K’e, welcomed Mayor Ben Hendriksen to his community on Friday, October 17, 2025, to discuss Yellowknife’s 2050 Community Plan Update and other topics of mutual interest – a historic first between the two communities.

“Our goal is to build and have a good working relationship with the City of Yellowknife. Łutsel K’e Dene First Nation (LKDFN) and its members contribute tremendously to the growth of the city, its businesses and service providers,” said Chief James Marlowe.

The trip was arranged after the Chief accepted an offer from the mayor in an outreach to regional leadership on the City’s community planning process. “This is the first time in history the City of Yellowknife and the mayor have reached out to LKDFN for consultation and input, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute. We put forth some recommendations, and I hope the mayor and the City of Yellowknife Council will consider the recommendations in good faith on behalf of the LKDFN,” Chief Marlowe added.

The mayor, accompanied by the City Manager and the Manager of Planning and Environment, spent the day in the community touring local facilities and discussing the City’s community planning update. The meeting included a meal provided by the Chief and Council featuring country food of moose stew, homemade bannock, and local cranberry jam.

“I want to thank Chief Marlowe, members of Council and his staff for welcoming us to their community. I am grateful for the conversations on our community planning process, the relationship between our communities and our shared interests in working together to embrace opportunities and overcome challenges,” added Mayor Hendriksen.

The City of Yellowknife will be producing a draft plan in 2026 reflecting studies, dialogue and engagement held throughout the community planning update process. This draft will be shared with the public, stakeholders, and governments, including the Chief and Council of Łutsel K’e.’