Negotiation Type

Self-Government Agreement

Existing Agreements

• Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim (1992)
• Gwich’in Self-Government Negotiations Process and Schedule Agreement (2007)
• Gwich’in Self-Government Negotiations Amending Agreement to the Process and Schedule Agreement (2019)

Negotiation Parties

• Ehdiitat Gwich’in Council (Aklavik), the Gwichya Gwich’in Council (Tsiigehtchic), the Tetl’it Gwich’in Council (Fort McPherson) represented by the Gwich’in Tribal Council 
• Government of Canada
• Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT)

Map of the Settlement Area

Gwich'in Final Agreement (NT only)

Overview

On April 22, 1992, the Gwich’in Tribal Council and the Government of Canada signed the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA) and the accompanying Implementation Plan. Chapter 5 and Appendix B of the GCLCA provides that the Gwich’in, Government of Canada and the GNWT can negotiate self-government agreements appropriate to the unique circumstances of the Gwich’in and in conformity with the Constitution of Canada. Chapter 5 of the GCLCA also states that self-government will address the Gwich’in desire to negotiate self-government as close to the community level as reasonably possible. A self-government agreement would be brought into effect through federal and territorial legislation. The Ehdiitat Gwich’in Council (Aklavik), the Gwichya Gwich’in Council (Tsiigehtchic), the Tetl’it Gwich’in Council (Fort McPherson), and the Nihtat Gwich’in Council (Inuvik) as represented by the Gwich’in Tribal Council are currently in the process of negotiating a Gwich’in Government Agreement- With the Government of Canada and the GNWT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Gwich’in?

The Gwich’in are Dene and Métis people indigenous to the Gwich’in Settlement Region which surrounds Tsiigehtchic, Fort McPherson, Aklavik, and Inuvik.

Who are the parties involved in the negotiations? 

Representatives from the Gwich'in Tribal Council, the Ehdiitat Gwich’in Council (Aklavik), the Gwichya Gwich’in Council (Tsiigehtchic), and the Nihtat Gwich’in Council (Inuvik), and the Tetl’it Gwich’in Council (Fort McPherson) are engaged in negotiations towards a Gwich’in Government Agreement with the Government of Canada and the GNWT. 

In September 2019, the Parties signed the Gwich’in Self-Government Negotiations Amending Agreement to the Process and Schedule Agreement, which removed the Nihtat Gwich’in (Inuvik) as a Party to the Regional Gwich’in Government negotiation process. Nihtat Gwich’in Council (Inuvik) has since rejoined the Regional Gwich’in Government negotiation process.

Why are the parties negotiating?

The Gwich’in are negotiating with the Government of Canada and the Government of the NWT to implement the Gwich’in inherent right to self government. Chapter 5 and Appendix B of the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement provides that Government of Canada, GNWT and the Gwich’in can negotiate self-government at the community level and in a manner appropriate to the unique circumstances of the Gwich’in and in conformity with the Constitution of Canada.

What are the negotiations about?

Self-government will establish the Gwich’in Government, and provide the Gwich’in with the ability to make decisions on matters internal and integral to the Gwich’in. The completed Gwich’in Government Agreement will implement the Gwich’in’s inherent right to self-government by describing the structure and law-making powers of its government.

What stage are the negotiations at? What is the next step in the negotiation process?

Parties are engaged in negotiations towards a Regional Gwich’in Government Agreement. 

LAST UPDATED: February 26, 2025