Workshop Highlights

Thank you to all Water Partners who joined us for the 17^th Annual Water Stewardship Strategy Implementation Workshop, held on October 21-22, 2026, at the Chateau Nova Hotel, Yellowknife, NT, under the theme “Healthy Water for Healthy Generations.”

Approximately 110 water partners from across the NWT and beyond gathered to share updates on water stewardship initiatives and discuss emerging research, monitoring technologies, data-sharing, and transboundary water management. The workshop also provided an opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships, build new relationships, and foster collaboration among water partners.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategy implementation: participants provided input on six draft priorities for the next five-year NWT Water Stewardship Strategy Action Plan, expected to be released in 2027.
• Indigenous leadership and community engagement: discussions highlighted the importance of Indigenous leadership, community-based monitoring, and youth engagement in building capacity and advancing shared water stewardship priorities.
• Participants provided input on six drafts priorities for the next five-year NWT Water Strategy Action Plan, expected to be released in 2027.
• Evidence-based informed decision-making: research, monitoring technologies and data-sharing continue to support effective water management.
• Transboundary water management: discussion on transboundary water agreements, ongoing monitoring, and proposed Alberta regulations concerning treated oil sands mine water underscored the importance of protecting NWT interests in downstream water management.
• Water stewardship recognition: the 2026 Water Champions were recognized for their contributions to water stewardship.

A workshop summary report highlighting key discussions and outcomes will be available in the coming weeks.

Workshop Presentations

Presentations will be posted here soon!

For more information, contact us at nwtwaterstrategy@gov.nt.ca.