NWT Core Principles and Objectives
The NWT Core Principles and Objectives (CPOs) are intended to ensure that the delivery of social programs and services throughout the NWT—either by Indigenous Self-Governments or the GNWT—will have the same fundamental characteristics.
Self-government agreements in the NWT result in Indigenous Self-Governments having law-making authorities in the same areas as the GNWT. Laws that can be enacted by Indigenous Self-Governments may result in those Indigenous Self-Governments delivering social programs and services. Indigenous Self-Governments and the GNWT are required to create their own standards that are compatible with the NWT CPOs when delivering certain social programs and services.
This technique, where Indigenous Self-Governments and the GNWT create standards that are compatible with NWT CPOs, allows each government flexibility when designing these social programs while also ensuring a basic level of consistency throughout the NWT. Indigenous Self-Governments can design programs in a way that is culturally relevant and reflects the circumstances and priorities of that government.
NWT CPOs have been developed for the following social program areas:
- Early Childhood Education
- Income Assistance
- Social Housing
- Trusteeship
- Guardianship
- Child and Family Services
- Adoption
The GNWT consulted Indigenous Self-Governments prior to establishing these NWT CPOs. The GNWT will also consult Indigenous Self-Governments prior to amending these NWT CPOs in the future.
For more information on CPOs, please contact the Indigenous Affairs unit with the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs.