The Community Government of Behchoko app is now available

Behchokǫ̀, known as Rae-Edzo before 2005, is the largest Tłı̨chǫ community. The Community Government of Behchokǫ̀ is a public government. Its powers and responsibilities are similar to those of other municipal governments in the Northwest Territories. It serves residents through community planning, public works, water and sewage services, emergency response planning and fire protection, recreation and bylaw enforcement. A Chief leads its 10-member council, and elections are held every four years.

The community grew from a Hudson's Bay Company post established at Rae in 1852. Treaty 11 was signed at Fort Rae on August 22, 1921, by Chief Monfwi and Headmen Jermain and Beaulieu. The government built Edzo in 1965 and named it for a chief who made peace with the Yellowknives Dene leader Akaitcho. Rae and Edzo merged in 1971, and the community took the name Behchokǫ̀ on August 4, 2005. Under the 2005 Tłı̨chǫ Agreement, the Tłı̨chǫ collectively hold title to 39,000 square kilometres of land.

The Tłı̨chǫ were once a nomadic people, and their hunting way of life centred on the caribou hunt. Today the community lives by the motto "Strong like two people." The words come from Chief Jimmy Bruneau, who in 1971 called for bilingual and bicultural education that gives equal weight to both cultures. The Tłı̨chǫ language, Tłı̨chǫ yatıì, remains central to community identity.

Behchokǫ̀ is home to the headquarters of the Tłı̨chǫ Government. Community priorities include mineral exploration led by the Tłı̨chǫ, along with tourism and youth employment.