One of the territory's largest tree planting projects on public lands is now finished, restoring wildfire-affected forests near Sambaa Deh Falls. This work was completed under the 2 Billion Trees Program, which is part of a six-year, $36 million funding agreement with Natural Resources Canada.

In July 2026, crews working with Jean Marie River First Nation and Windfirm Resources Inc. planted 1,504,030 plugs, leading to a total yield of 3,365,613 native trees and shrubs across 403 hectares. Combined with the 2025 Kakisa project, 3.77 million trees have been planted, reaching about 47 per cent of the Government of the Northwest Territories' commitment to plant 8 million trees by 2031.

Valued at about $3.9 million, the project supported local employment, with Jean Marie River First Nation providing project management, equipment and camp support services, creating 18 direct jobs for its members, while nearly 100 tree planters were employed overall. Despite the evacuation of Fort Simpson, which required support services to be relocated to Hay River on short notice, the project was completed on schedule.

Quotes

"Restoring forests is a long-term investment in the health and resilience of our environment. After several years in a row of significant wildfire seasons, projects like this help accelerate natural recovery, support biodiversity, and strengthen the environmental foundations that northern communities and wildlife depend on. This project aligns with our commitment to respond to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, addressing the impacts of climate-driven events and sustaining an environment that provides for future generations."

 - Jay Macdonald, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"Windfirm tree planting was a success for the community of Jean Marie River First Nations; we had a lot of people coming together to do tree planting. To the community who has been hit with Flood, fires and natural disasters it was more than words, it was new oxygen to the air.  It was wildlife can have fresh foods going forward.  The way of life has its chance as climate change is really impacting the north. We held drum dance, showed them our different dances, shared a meal with many tree planters where the community members grew friendships with other tree planters. The area of Morrisey Creek was hunting ground for many of our community members who walked the land and harvested in the area.  We enjoyed all hard work and appreciate all the work done in this area.

Mahsi windfirm, GNWT and JMRFN staffing for making this successful. We look forward to working together again."

 - Chief Melanie Norwegian-Menacho, Jean Marie River First Nation

Quick facts

• One of the largest tree planting projects in NWT history, the Morrissey Creek Restoration Project, saw 3,365,613 trees and shrubs planted across 403 hectares near Sambaa Deh Falls.
• Delivered in partnership with Jean Marie River First Nation, valued at more than $3.9 million.
• Brings the GNWT to 3.77 million trees planted to date, 47% of its commitment to plant 8 million trees by 2031.
• Funded through a six-year, $36 million funding agreement between the GNWT and Natural Resources Canada.

Related links

• 2 Billion Trees Program - Natural Resources Canada
•  2 Billion Trees Program | Environment and Climate Change