Like their Gwich’in neighbours 1,000 kilometres to the north, the Tłı̨chǫ people live in the Mackenzie River watershed and participate in both the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board (MVEIRB) and Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board (MVLWB).

Unlike the Gwich’in, however, the Tłı̨chǫ nominate their representatives to these bodies without the requirement for approval by the Government of Canada. The Tłı̨chǫ can do this because they have a self-government agreement in place. (Note: The Gwich’in are currently negotiating a self-government agreement).