The Tłı̨chǫ Nation has lived since time immemorial on their ancestral lands in what is now known as the Northwest Territories.

The vast Tłı̨chǫ territory was governed locally by family head persons with jurisdiction over harvesting and other activities within certain geographical boundaries. In addition to this level of governance, an overall head person was selected to make decisions affecting the entire Tłı̨chǫ Nation, in consultation with the local leaders.

Today, the governance clauses of the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement modern treaty faithfully continue that traditional governance system, with four community Chiefs and a Grand Chief. This structure allows the Tłı̨chǫ Government to effectively manage their territory at both the regional and national levels.