Tulita, Canada and GNWT Negotiators initial Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle

TULITA, NT, May 17, 2017 /CNW/ - Yesterday, the negotiators for the Tulita Yamoria Community Secretariat and the governments of the Northwest Territories and Canada initialled the proposed Tulita Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle (AIP).

Tulita, a community in the Sahtu Region of the Northwest Territories, is negotiating a self-government agreement, to fulfil an obligation in the Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement.

By initialling the AIP, the negotiators are recommending the AIP to their respective leadership for approval. Once initialled, each party will consider approving and signing the AIP. Final Self-Government Agreement negotiations will begin following approval and signing of the AIP.

The settlement of land claims and the conclusion of self-government agreements is key to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous communities in Canada. Agreements like this one help create the foundation for social development and economic growth that can generate benefits for Indigenous people and all Canadians.

Quotes

"The Tulita Yamoria Community Secretariat is excited to have initialled the Tulita Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle. This is a milestone toward forming our own self-government."

Dyanne Doctor
Chairperson of Tulita Yamoria Community Secretariat

"The Northwest Territories is a leader nationally in relationship-building with our Indigenous partners. This is an important step in Tulita's journey towards self-government. Building on the Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement, self-government will allow the people of Tulita to chart their own course. Over the coming decades, the NWT will face significant social, economic and environmental challenges as well as great opportunities and how we as governments unite in partnership will help shape our common future."

The Honourable Bob McLeod
Premier of the Northwest Territories and Minister of Executive and Indigenous Affairs

"This marks an important step forward on the path to reconciliation with Tulita and to healthier, more self-reliant and prosperous Indigenous communities. A self-government agreement for Tulita will provide the community with more flexibility and control in the development and delivery of programs and services, in a manner best suited to the culture and values of the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Tulita ‎and will benefit the economy for all of Canada."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

Quick Facts

• An AIP is a not a legally binding document. It addresses most of the subjects for a self-government agreement and serves as the basis for concluding the Final Self-Government Agreement.
• Following the initialling of the AIP, the Tulita Yamoria Community Secretariat and the Government of Canada will seek the authority to approve and sign the AIP. The Government of the Northwest Territories is prepared to approve and sign the AIP.
• Tulita is a community located in the Sahtu Region of the Northwest Territories, with a population of approximately 560 people, 85 per cent of whom are of Aboriginal descent.

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

For more information, media may contact: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 819-953-8316; Media relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160; Andrew Livingstone, Senior Cabinet Communications Advisor, Government of the Northwest Territories, Tel: [phone] ext. 11091, Email: [email protected]; Norman Yakeleya (English), Cell. 867-587-6770; Frank Andrew (Slavey), Tel: [phone]