5.1.1

Description: 
Consistent with the policy of Respect, Recognition & Responsibility, we will invite any regional or community Aboriginal governments that are not yet a party to one, to strengthen their intergovernmental relations with the GNWT through the negotiation of an intergovernmental memorandum-of-understanding.
Lead Dept: 
EIA
Priority: 
5.1
Status: 
Fulfilled
Restructured COC: 
Priorities and Planning
Number: 
1
Deputy Minister Committee: 
Governance
Background Information: 

GOVERNANCE

Commitment 5.1.1 – Consistent with the policy of Respect, Recognition & Responsibility, we will invite any regional or community Indigenous governments that are not yet a party to one, to strengthen their intergovernmental relations with the GNWT through the negotiation of an intergovernmental memorandum-of-understanding.

In 2012, the GNWT developed a formal approach to engaging with Indigenous governments.  Respect, Recognition and Responsibility: The Government of the Northwest Territories’ Approach to Engaging with Aboriginal Governments highlights principles of engagement with Indigenous governments that include:

  • Recognition of rights;
  • Building respectful relationships; and
  • Responsible and flexible government relationships.

Working cooperatively with Indigenous governments to formalize intergovernmental relationships with the GNWT through an Intergovernmental MOU is an important part of the GNWT’s approach.

The GNWT is committed to building and maintaining mutually respectful government-to-government relationships with Indigenous governments, through the signing of intergovernmental Memoranda-of-Understanding (MOU).

The GNWT has formalized working relationships through the establishment of intergovernmental MOUs with the Tłı̨cho Government, the Gwich’in Tribal Council, the Northwest Territory Métis Nation, the Akaitcho Territory Dene First Nations, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, the Salt River First Nation and, most recently, the Kátł’odeeche First Nation.

Related Mandate Commitments

  • Commitment 5.1.2 – We will consult with Indigenous governments to complete the next phase of regulation making under the Wildlife Act.
  • Commitment 5.1.3 – We will work in partnership with Indigenous governments to explore the design and launch of a training program for First Nations governments with municipal-like responsibilities in order to help improve the governance and management capacity of those governments.
  • Commitment 5.1.4 – We will work to resolve outstanding land, resource and self-government agreements with the Akaitcho, Dehcho, NWT Metis Nation, Acho Dene Koe and the Government of Canada during the term of our government, and advocate that particular focus in our negotiations be placed on land quantum.
  • Commitment 5.1.5 – We will provide funding to Indigenous community governments and work with communities to develop wellness plans that meet local needs and priorities.
  • Commitment 5.1.7 – We will continue to support the Intergovernmental Council towards implementation of the vision of cooperative and collaborative management of lands and resources, as set out in the Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement.

For more information about this initiative, please contact the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs.