Premier RJ Simpson, and Ministers Caitlin Cleveland and Vince McKay travelled to Colville Lake on Thursday, January 8 to tour the community and meet with Behdzi Ahda' First Nation Chief and Council.
Upon arrival, they were joined by Member for Sahtu Danny McNeely and sat down for a meal together with Behdzi Ahda' First Nation Chief and Council. Leaders were given a community tour, visited Colville Lake School, and then gathered again to meet with Chief and Council to discuss key topics and issues.
Meeting conversations aimed to progress several files, including community facilities, policing, and wildlife management. A major highlight of the visit was the signing of a workplan by Behdzi Ahda' First Nation and the GNWT for the Colville Lake School build project. Work continues between both governments toward planning a new Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 school in the community. This workplan provides key project milestones and timelines, outlining the necessary steps that need to be taken in order to start construction. Both governments are committed to collaborating to make the new Colville Lake School a reality for students, staff and families in the community.
The goals of this trip were to learn about local priorities, build stronger relationships between the community and the GNWT, and take important steps forward with Behdzi Ahda' First Nation on projects in Colville Lake.
Quotes
"Spending time in Colville Lake with Chief Kochon, Council, Elders, and community members was an important opportunity to listen, learn, and strengthen our relationship with Behdzi Ahda' First Nation. Signing the workplan for the new school is a meaningful step forward, reflecting our shared commitment to the community's children and families. This visit also advanced discussions on local priorities and reinforces our commitment to working together to turn plans into action."
- Premier R.J. Simpson
"Colville Lake needs a new school, and our focus is on getting it built as quickly as possible. A modern school is more than a place for learning - it is a hub for the community, a space that supports culture, language revitalization, student well-being, and pride. By signing this workplan with Behdzi Ahda' First Nation, we are creating accountability on all sides and laying out a clear path to move this project forward. Our government is committed to working in partnership to deliver a school that meets the needs of students today and for generations to come."
- Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment
"Visiting Colville Lake and spending time with Chief and Council reinforced how important reliable, community-driven infrastructure is to daily life in the North. Signing this workplan is a practical step that brings clarity to roles, timelines, and next steps, and helps ensure this project moves forward in a coordinated way. Infrastructure projects in small and remote communities are complex, but by working closely with Behdzi Ahda' First Nation, we are laying the groundwork to deliver a school that will serve the community well for generations."
- Vince McKay, Minister of Infrastructure
For more information
P.O. Box 1320
Yellowknife Northwest Territories
Canada X1A 2L9
www.gov.nt.ca
