1. The problem is to evaluate the expression $-17 - (-6)$. 2. Recall the rule: subtracting a negative number is the same as adding its positive counterpart. So, $a - (-b) = a + b$. 3. Apply this rule to the problem: $$-17 - (-6) = -17 + 6$$ 4. Now, add the numbers: $$-17 + 6 = -(17 - 6) = -11$$ 5. Therefore, the final answer is $-11$.