GOVERNANCE

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.

A key feature of the Devolution Agreement was the establishment of the Intergovernmental Council to allow the GNWT and Indigenous governments to cooperate and collaborate on matters related to lands and resource management across regions, while respecting the authority of each government in its respective jurisdiction.

The Council is made up of the GNWT, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Northwest Territory Métis Nation, Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, Gwich’in Tribal Council, Tłı̨chǫ Government, Acho Dene Koe First Nation, Salt River First Nation, Denínu Kų́ę́ First Nation and the Kátł’odeeche First Nation.

In addition to the annual meetings of the Intergovernmental Council, the Intergovernmental Council Secretariat meets on a quarterly basis and its sub-working groups (Indigenous Government Capacity Building, Finance, and Impact Benefits Agreements) meet regularly throughout the year. Minutes of all the meetings are prepared with action items clearly outlined and reported on.

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.

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