Tłı̨chǫ Government and Diavik Diamond Mine sign closure agreement in Behchokǫ̀

BEHCHOKǪ̀, Canada – The Tłı̨chǫ Government and Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine marked a new stage in their decades-long partnership, signing a Closure Agreement on February 26, 2026, at a public ceremony at the Cultural Centre in Behchokǫ, Northwest Territories.

Tłı̨chǫ leadership and Diavik officials signed the agreement in front of Tłı̨chǫ citizens, community members, Elders, and staff. The gathering included an opening and closing prayer, community feast, and drum dance.

Diavik and the Tłı̨chǫ Government first signed a partnership agreement in 2000, recognizing the essential importance of Tłı̨chǫ involvement in all stages of the project. These commitments have been reflected through employment, training, contracting, and community investment. 

Over the life of the agreement, Tłı̨chǫ citizens gained work experience, strengthened trades and technical skills, and built Tłı̨chǫ business capacity. Tłı̨chǫ Elders and community members have provided feedback and Traditional Knowledge during Diavik’s construction, operations, closure planning, and remediation. 

As Diavik transitions to closure following the end of commercial production in March 2026, this Closure Agreement signing reaffirms the shared commitment of both parties to safe and responsible reclamation and long-term stewardship of Tłı̨chǫ lands.

The agreement provides funding for socio-economic mitigations to support Tłı̨chǫ-led initiatives for Tłı̨chǫ communities and citizens during Diavik’s closure phase. It also provides commitments to employment, training and business opportunities for the Tłı̨chǫ. Both partners remain grounded in partnership and accountability to Northern, Indigenous communities.

Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty said, “This Closure Agreement reflects the strength of our economic relationship and our responsibility to the land, water, and wildlife. I want to acknowledge and thank Diavik for their partnership over the past two decades and for the many ways they invested in Tłı̨chǫ people through employment, training, business opportunities, and community support. From the beginning, the Tłı̨chǫ Government’s focus has been on ensuring our citizens benefit from development on our territory. As closure moves forward, we will continue protect our lands and waters and support our people through this transition.”

Chief Operating Officer of Diavik Diamond Mine Matthew Breen said, “Our partnership with the Tłı̨chǫ Government has been foundational to Diavik’s success. We are proud to continue to strengthen those bonds as we move into closure, working together towards a positive future for Tłı̨chǫ members and communities. We will continue to treat the people, the land and waters with respect, to allow for traditional and cultural activities on the reclaimed land, and to leave a lasting and positive legacy in the NWT.” 

Information for workers and families affected by the closure will continue to be shared through Tłı̨chǫ Client Services, Diavik, and community channels.

For more information, please contact:

Tłı̨chǫ Government 
Communication & Media Relations 
media@tlicho.ca

Diavik Diamond Mine
diavikcomms@riotinto.com

Category: Diavik