Fort McPherson (Apr 26/04) - The Gwich'in celebrated what may be the first land use plan of its kind in the NWT during a special ceremony in Fort McPherson, April 16.

The plan, which officially took effect last summer, was celebrated by all Gwich'in people because it will protect their lands from industry for future generations.

"It is a law made by the Gwich'in people and it's something we didn't have 25 years ago," said Charlie Snowshoe, vice-chair for the Land Use Planning Board, who developed the plan alongside the territorial and federal governments.

"Now we have a land use plan. With the oil and gas and mining companies coming in, we'll have something for them to see and look at and say this is what you have to go by."

More than 100 people from Fort McPherson, Inuvik and Tsiigehtchic attended the celebration and feast at the community recreation complex.

"We finally have a tool no government can override and it reflects Gwich'in values," said Bob Simpson, board chair.

In the plan, the Gwich'in Settlement land around Inuvik, Fort McPherson, Aklavik and Tsiigehtchic is divided into three zones -- general use, special management and conservation.

The general use zone has few restrictions for development, while areas within the special management and conservation zones have special policies and restrictions designed to protect the water, wildlife and land. These protected zones have been identified by the Gwich'in people as being culturally or wildlife sensitive areas.

The plan took more than 20 years to develop through negotiations and community consultations.

On August 2003 the plan took effect, but the work doesn't end there.

Now implementation will begin and the Land Use Planning Board will continue to hold up the ideals of the plan they helped develop.

The plan will be revised every five years.