Utoo Radio / Natrive Press - February 27 2026 - The Tłı̨chǫ government and Rio Tinto signed a deal to close the Diavik diamond mine.

This was a big step forward for their relationship, which began 26 years ago.

Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty stressed how important it was for everyone to work together to close the mine and restore the land based on the wisdom of elders.

The deal includes money for Tłı̨chǫ-led projects during the shutdown, as well as promises of jobs and training for Tłı̨chǫ people.

Tara Marchiori, Diavik's communities and social performance manager, said that social issues have been important since 2019.

Former Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Joe Rabesca thanked everyone for the partnership. Others thought about the mine's legacy and how it helped the community.