# N.W.T. Leaders Press for Indigenous Procurement Policy

The Government of the Northwest Territories decided not to proceed with an Indigenous procurement policy after five years of consideration, citing a lack of agreement on its design and limited information about Indigenous participation in current procurement. Indigenous business and political leaders are pressing for changes before major projects and military spending generate contracts, and have proposed bid adjustments based on Indigenous ownership and work performed on Indigenous lands. No new policy or procurement requirement has been adopted, so contractors should distinguish these proposals from current solicitation rules.

- GNWT procurement teams and bidders should account for the absence of an adopted policy when planning bids; the proposed bid adjustments are not yet requirements.
- Businesses pursuing anticipated projects in the territory can assess how Indigenous ownership and work on Indigenous lands could factor into their bids if the proposals advance.
- The policy discussion is relevant to Indigenous businesses and prospective prime contractors preparing for competition associated with major projects and military spending in the Northwest Territories.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Defense & Military
**Published:** November 06, 2026

### Government Entities
- Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT)
- Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories
- Government of Canada
- Government of Yukon
- Government of Nunavut

### Vendors
- Wintergreen Travel ()

### Key Quotes
> We need to be committed to economic reconciliation.
> — Kieron Testart, Range Lake MLA

> The rules have to change now, before those contracts go out.
> — George Mackenzie, Dene National Chief

### Sources
- [N.W.T. Indigenous leaders, business owner call for procurement policy with major projects on the way | CBC News](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/n-w-t-indigenous-leaders-business-owner-call-for-procurement-policy-with-major-projects-on-the-way-9.7410994) - CBC