5.1.4

Description: 
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, having been informed by the independent advice of the Premier's special representatives and bilateral meetings intended to advance negotiations. The approval and signing of the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Normal Wells AIP is evidence of the progress being made at negotiations.
Lead Dept: 
EIA
Priority: 
5.1
Status: 
Fulfilled
Restructured COC: 
Priorities and Planning
Number: 
4
Deputy Minister Committee: 
Governance
Background Information: 

GOVERNANCE

Commitment 5.1.4 – We will work to resolve outstanding land, resource and self-government agreements with the Akaitcho, Dehcho, NWT Métis 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.

Negotiations are underway in all regions of the NWT as Indigenous governments seek to confirm their Aboriginal and treaty rights in the NWT.  The GNWT, as a full partner to these negotiations, is presently engaged in 14 sets of negotiations that are either leading to the conclusion of a Framework Agreement, an Agreement-in-Principle, or a Final Agreement.

In the spring of 2016, new GNWT approaches to negotiations were approved and are currently being implemented.

Since 2014, negotiations have resulted in six significant milestone agreements having been signed by the Parties. There were the Inuvialuit Self-government Agreement-in-Principle, the Northwest Territory Métis Nation Land and Resources Agreement-in-Principle, the Nacho Nyak Dun Transboundary Framework Agreement, the Acho Dene Koe First Nation Land and Resources Agreement-in-Principle, the Colville Lake Self-government Framework Agreement, and the Délįnę Final Self-government Agreement.

Related Mandate Commitments

  • 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.
  • 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.