Concluding and Implementing Land Claim and Self-Government Agreements

Nihtat Gwich'in

Negotiation Type

Self-Government Agreement 

Existing Agreements

Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (1992)

Negotiation Parties

  • Nihtat Gwich’in Council (NGC)
  • Inuvik Native Band
  • Government of Canada
  • Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT)

Map of the Settlement Area 

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. The four Gwich’in communities, Ehdiitat Gwich’in (Aklavik), Tetl’it Gwich’in Council (Fort McPherson), Nihtat Gwich’in Council (Inuvik), and Gwichya Gwich’in Council (Tsiigehtchic) are represented by the Gwich’in Tribal Council for all matters related to the GCLCA. Chapter 5 of the GCLCA provides that Government and the Gwich’in can negotiate self-government agreements appropriate to the unique circumstances of the Gwich’in and in conformity with the Constitution of Canada. A self-government agreement would be brought into effect through federal and territorial legislation. 

In June 2017, the NGC withdrew from the Regional Gwich’in Self-Government negotiation process and entered into a separate negotiation process to pursue a community-based self-government agreement for the Nihtat Gwich’in of Inuvik. The NGC and the Inuvik Native Band are currently negotiating a Nihtat Gwich’in Self-Government Negotiations Process and Schedule Agreement and a Nihtat Gwich’in Self-Government Agreement with the Government of Canada and the GNWT.

Frequently asked questions

Who are the Nihtat Gwich’in?

The Gwich’in have traditionally used and occupied lands in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon from time immemorial. The Gwich’in Tribal Council represents Dene people indigenous to the Gwich’in Settlement Area for all matters related to the GCLCA. The Nihtat Gwich'in Council of Inuvik forms part of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, along with the Ehdiitat Gwich’in (Aklavik), Tetl’it Gwich’in Council (Fort McPherson), and Gwichya Gwich’in Council (Tsiigehtchic).

Who are the parties involved in the negotiations?

The Nihtat Gwich'in Council, the Inuvik Native Band, the Government of Canada, and the Government of the Northwest Territories are negotiating these agreements.

Why are the parties negotiating?

Chapter 5 of the GCLCA provides that Government and the Gwich’in can negotiate self-government agreements appropriate to the unique circumstances of the Gwich’in and in conformity with the Constitution of Canada. The parties are also negotiating to implement the Nihtat Gwich’in inherent right to self-government.

What are the negotiations about? 

Self-government will provide the Nihtat Gwich’in with the ability to make decisions on matters internal and integral to the Nihtat Gwich’in. The completed Final Self-Government Agreement is expected to implement the Nihtat Gwich’in’s inherent right to self-government by describing the structure and powers of its government and its relationship with the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories. 

What stage are the negotiations at? What is the next step? 

The parties are currently negotiating the Nihtat Gwich’in Self-Government Negotiations Process and Schedule Agreement as well as the Module One of the Nihtat Gwich’in Community-Based Self-Government Agreement.