Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty

Grand Chief, Tłı̨chǫ Government

Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty was first elected Grand Chief of the Tłı̨chǫ Nation in 2021 and re-elected in 2025 for a second term (2025–2029). Before serving as Grand Chief, he represented the Mǫwhì constituency in the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories for over five consecutive terms, a period of over 16 years. In this time, he has served many senior cabinet positions included Deputy Premier; Minister of Education, Culture and Employment; Minister of Justice; Minister of Public Works and Services; Minister Responsible for Official Languages; and Minister Responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission.

Throughout his career within NWT Government and aboard, Grand Chief Lafferty has been defined by his unwavering commitment to advancing education, youth development, language revitalization, and cultural preservation. He envisions the Tłı̨chǫ Nation built upon the principles of unity, language, and sustainable development, often recognized for addressing the Legislative Assembly in his Tłı̨chǫ language during question period.

Prior to entering territorial politics, Mr. Lafferty worked in the early 2000s with Rio Tinto at the Diavik Diamond Mine, where he played a pivotal role in the implementation of the Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. (DDMI) Participation Agreement with northern Indigenous groups.
With his extensive experience across many sectors, he remains deeply committed to advancing Tłı̨chǫ self-governance, fostering collaboration across governments and industry, and ensuring that resource development proceeds responsibly.