All News
Meet self-taught artist Christine Dunbar of Auntie Beading

For Christine Dunbar, beading started out as a way to pass time during the pandemic.
Her beadwork has since been showcased in galleries across Canada, featured in markets, and even worn in Vogue magazine.
LWB Staff join Ecology North for Earth Week NWT Waters 101
Thank you Ecology North for inviting the Land and Water Board staff to Earth Week NWT Waters 101 at Yellowknife Visitor’s Centre. Board staff had a great time hosting the Trivia Game: Land and Water Board Edition. Board staff would also like to thank Ecology North for lending us the bicycle wheel for the trivia game.
New deadline for artists to apply for Flower Beading Series
Calling all Indigenous beading artists in the NWT! We are still looking for four more artists to feature as part of our Indigenous Flower Beading Series. See the attached poster for further details. If you have questions, or would like to apply for the June, July, August, or September spot, please send us a Facebook message or email.
Beading is a family affair for Lucyann Menicoche

Beadwork by Lucyann Menicoche. Photos: Submitted
For Lucyann Menicoche, beading is much more than just a craft – it’s a tradition, a passion and her full-time job.
Menicoche, who is from Tsiigehtchic and now lives in Fort Simpson, said she learned the skill from her mother when she was just eight years old.
Imperial Norman Wells Operations Renewal Proceeding
On February 19, 2025, the SLWB will be holding a Board-Initiated Water Licence Renewal Proceeding for the Imperial Norman Wells Operations. The hearing will be held virtually only, via zoom.
The Land and Water Boards are updating the 2013 Closure and Reclamation Guidelines
We want to hear from you!
The 2013 Guidelines for the Closure and Reclamation of Advanced Mineral Exploration and Mine Sites in the Northwest Territories (Closure Guidelines) outline expectations for closure planning of advanced mineral exploration and mine sites in the Mackenzie Valley. The Boards intend to expand these guidelines beyond advanced exploration and mining/milling to include, at minimum, oil and gas and potentially other industries
Beading is like therapy, says Délı̨nę artist Marlene Tutcho

The Indigenous Flower Beading Series presents Marlene Tutcho as our featured artist for the month of February!
Marlene, who is from Délı̨nę, learned beading from her mother along with her five sisters and says beading helps connect her to her culture and traditions.
Welcome Regan Jeremick’ca - New Board Member

The Board and staff of the WLWB would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Board Member, Regan Jeremick’ca.
Artist Alisa Blake says stories are woven into each bead in her work

On behalf of the Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley, the Indigenous Flower Beading Series presents Alisa Blake as our featured artist for the month of January.
How Alisa Blake uses beading as a way to share stories

Alisa Blake was taught to bead as a child by her mother and grandmother.
Office Closure Notice
The offices of the Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley will be closed Monday, November 11 in observance of Remembrance day. Offices will reopen Tuesday morning.

Poppy earrings in thumbnail by Kimberley Mackeinzo.
For Kimberley Mackeinzo, beading is grounding
Kimberley Mackeinzo began beading during the Covid-19 pandemic as a way to ground herself and better understand who she is as an Indigenous person.
Mackeinzo, a Sahtu Beneficiary from Délı̨nę, is November's Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley beading artist of the month, chosen for her “Lest We Forget” poppy-themed earrings.
The pandemic "was a very isolating time of everybody’s lives, especially for me, somebody who is in recovery,” she explained, noting she has been sober since 2018.
LWBs Request Proposals for External Legal Services
The Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley (LWBs) invite individuals and firms to submit a proposal for the provision of legal services in some or all of the areas specified below for a five-year term beginning on December 9, 2024.
WHATì COMMUNITY SUPPER
The Wek'èezhı̀ı Land and Water Board is eager to connect with YOU! Learn about our vital work and discover how your feedback and knowledge can help us protect and manage Wek'èezhı̀ı land and resources for generations to come. This is a great opportunity to come together over a delicious meal and engage in meaningful conversations about our land and water resources.
Date: October 16, 2024.
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Johnny Nitsiza Culture Centre, Whatì NT.
LWBs Launch Indigenous Flower Beading Series
The Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley (LWBs) are thrilled to announce the launch of our Indigenous Flower Beading Series, an opportunity for talented artists to share their skills and celebrate the rich heritage of Northern Indigenous beadwork. Over the next 12 months, we will highlight the beauty of Indigenous floral designs, each month featuring a new theme. This is more than just an art project—it’s a way to keep traditional art forms alive and celebrate Indigenous culture through storytelling in beads.
CANCELLED: Ekati - Sable Underground Public Hearing
This is notice that the Public Hearing for the Arctic Canadian Diamond Company Ltd. (Arctic) has been cancelled. The Public Hearing has been cancelled because Arctic has withdrawn its Application (See Letter from Arctic). The Board offers its sincere apologies for this inconvenience as it understands the efforts made by Parties to prepare for and attend the Public Hearing.
Community Liaison - Inuvik
The Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board (Review Board) and the Gwich’in Land and Water Board are hiring for the position of Community Liaison based in Inuvik, Northwest Territories.
Job description:
Reporting to the Manager of Indigenous Outreach, Engagement & Partnership, the Community Liaison provides information and education services to communities and community members about the importance and impact of environmental assessment and regulatory activities in the Mackenzie Valley. The Community Liaison:
NEW SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
A new scholarship opportunity is available for current or future students in forestry or wildfire management.
The Adam Yeadon Memorial Scholarship is awarded to Northwest Territories full-time post-secondary students enrolled in diploma, degree program or other approved training programs related to forestry or wildfire management to encourage and support northerners interested in pursuing an education in these fields.
Available funding
In Adam’s memory, the following is available: