THE CHALLENGE

Established in 1997 under the Mackenzie River Basin Transboundary Waters Master Agreement, the Mackenzie River Basin Board (MRBB) plays a critical role in fostering cross-jurisdictional cooperation to safeguard the ecological health of one of Canada’s largest and most ecologically significant river basins. 

Covering nearly 20 percent of Canada and draining 11 percent of all freshwater flow into the Arctic Ocean, this climate-critical region is home to carbon-rich peatlands and permafrost, globally significant bird migrations, and the massive Mackenzie Delta, sometimes called the “Amazon of the North”. Yet, the Basin faces mounting pressures: climate change, cumulative impacts from major resource development, jurisdictional fragmentation, and governance gaps. These threats jeopardize both ecological health and long-standing stewardship practices upheld by the Indigenous Nations whose governance systems, treaties, and governance agreements shape the Basin’s future.

To meet these 21st-century challenges, the MRBB is working to modernize its structure—advancing reconciliation, aligning with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and braiding Indigenous and Western knowledge and governance systems to fulfill the original vision of the Master Agreement. To support this process, the MRBB has partnered with the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources’ (CIER’s) Collaborative Leadership Initiative (CLI) to create the conditions for meaningful collaboration and reconciliation while supporting the board’s near-term priorities.

THE HISTORY

Covering nearly one-fifth of Canada’s landmass, the Mackenzie River Basin presents a complex governance challenge. The basin is covered by a jurisdictionally complex patchwork of provinces, territories, the federal government, historic treaties (6, 8, 10, 11), modern land claims and self-government agreements with Indigenous Nations, reflecting the deep cultural and legal relationships held with the land and water.

The MRBB’s impetus for action began in 1972 when forty delegates representing Canada, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories and Yukon gathered to focus their attention on the water resources of the Mackenzie Basin. From this meeting, the Mackenzie River Basin Intergovernmental Liaison Committee was created to facilitate information sharing regarding the basin. By 1977, a memorandum of understanding had been signed “Respecting the Water Resources of the Mackenzie River Basin.” From 1978 to 1988, the Mackenzie River Basin Committee worked to implement the recommendations identified in the Mackenzie River Basin Study Report which led to the development of a master agreement that would action recommendations from this report. In 1991, Yukon and the Northwest Territories are accorded full member status as the master agreement continued to be developed. In 1997 the “Mackenzie River Basin Transboundary Waters Master Agreement” was signed by respective parties, marking a visionary step towards collaborative governance. 

As time has progressed, the MRBB has encountered increasing demands to modernize its governance model to meet the evolving needs of the Basin. Through the CLI process, the MRBB has a unique opportunity to establish a renewed governance framework—one that honors Indigenous rights, strengthens partnerships, and ensures inclusive, effective decision-making to protect the future of the Basin. 

THE LEADERS

THE CLI ROLE

Currently in Phase 2: Building the Foundation for Reconciliation of the Collaborative Leadership process, the Mackenzie River Basin CLI is supporting the MRBB to renew cross-jurisdictional cooperation and strengthen water governance in one of Canada’s most complex and climate-critical regions.

Designed for complexity, CLI makes space for multiple worldviews, governance systems, and legal traditions to coexist and inform solutions. It centers elected Indigenous and Crown leaders to ensure decisions are politically relevant, locally supported, and aligned across governments from the start. CLI Phase 2: Building the Foundation for Reconciliation emphasizes building the foundation for long-term relationships and reconciliation, which is a key priority for the MRBB. This work is anchored in trust and mutual respect, providing the continuity needed to move forward across shifting mandates and governance complexities.

As part of Phase 2: Building the Foundation for Reconciliation, CLI is organizing and funding an on-the-land gathering in Dettah in June 2025, creating space for deeper connection, place-based learning, and relationship-building among MRBB members. Through a neutral, facilitated process, the CLI is helping sustain momentum, ensure follow-through, and create space for honest, sometimes difficult, conversations—laying the groundwork for meaningful, shared governance over the Basin’s future.

THE MEETINGS

See summaries of the integral meetings that took place at the governance table between the leaders from December 2023 to June 2025.

THE OUTCOME

To date, the CLI process has supported the MRBB in renewing trust, deepening relationships among jurisdictions, and identifying shared priorities for the future of the Basin. The groundwork is now in place to focus on co-developing the tools, relationships, and processes needed to evolve the MRBB into a more visible, better-resourced, and truly co-governed body—one that strengthens the MRBB’s ability to meet 21st-century water challenges, aligns with UNDRIP, and better reflects the spirit and intent of the original Master Agreement.