Negotiation Type

Self-Government Agreement

Negotiation Parties

• Behdzi Ahda First Nation of Colville Lake
• Ayoni Keh Land Corporation
• Government of Canada
• Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT)

Overview

Chapter 5 and Appendix “B” of the Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (SDMCLCA) sets out the commitment of the Government to negotiate a self-government agreement with the Sahtu Dene and Métis of Colville Lake. The Sahtu Dene and Métis of Colville Lake are represented by the Behdzi Ahda First Nation and the Ayoni Keh Land Corporation. Representatives of Behdzi Ahda First Nation and the Ayoni Keh Land Corporation, along with the GNWT and Government of Canada signed the Delá Got’ı̨ne Self-Government Negotiations Process and Schedule Agreement (PSA) in Fall 2014. Negotiations towards concluding the Delá Got’ı̨ne Self Government Agreement are underway.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are the Sahtu Dene and Métis of Colville Lake?

The Sahtu Dene and Métis of Colville Lake are Dene people that are indigenous to the area in the Sahtu which surround the community of Colville Lake.

2. Who are the parties involved in the negotiations?

The Behdzi Ahda First Nation and the Ayoni Keh Land Corporation, which represent the Sahtu Dene and Métis of Colville Lake, the GNWT and the Government of Canada.

3. Why are the parties negotiating?

The parties are negotiating to clarify how the Sahtu Dene and Métis of Colville Lake will implement their inherent Aboriginal right to self-government, pursuant to an obligation in Chapter 5 and Appendix B of the SDMCLCA.

4. What are the negotiations about?

Self-government will provide the Sahtu Dene and Métis of Colville Lake with the authority to make decisions at the community level, as appropriate to the unique circumstances of the Delá Got’ı̨ne. The completed Self-Government Agreement will implement the Delá Got’ı̨ne of Colville Lake’s inherent right to self-government by describing the structure and powers of the Delá Got’ı̨ne Government.

Chapter 5 of the SDMCLCA states that, the objectives of self-government agreements shall be to describe the nature, character and extent of self-government, and the relationship between government and Sahtu institutions and to accommodate self-government within the framework of public government.

5. What stage are the negotiations at? What are the next steps in the negotiation process?

The parties have signed the Process and Schedule Agreement and negotiations of the the Delá Got’ı̨ne Self Government Agreement are underway.

LAST UPDATED: March 3, 2025

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