Glen Korstrom
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 01/99) - The GNWT has spent $50,000 producing 2,500 copies of an information package on self-government.

"I think information and communication is important for people to hear what we have to say (about self-government)," said Premier Jim Antoine.

"Self-government has been around for a long time. In the eyes of aboriginal people, it's been there for many, many years."

The cost of the package included all research and preparation as well as funding for two focus groups of Northern residents -- one in Inuvik and one in Yellowknife.

The kits are broken into five sections: one booklet containing an overview of the topic and four smaller booklets on the changing relationship between aboriginal people and the Crown, an NWT population profile, the constitutional development of the NWT and on NWT government today.

The books are educational and do not contain policy statements from the GNWT.

They are intended for schools, municipalities, aboriginal organizations and other interested individuals or groups.

"(The booklets were) developed to provide our residents with basic information on self-government. It offers straightforward information needed for a better understanding of complex land claims and self-government processes," Antoine said.

The booklets were organized by the GNWT Department of the Executive in conjunction with the federal department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development which provided technical assistance and support.

"If you haven't considered the needs of your audience before you develop a tool, it's not going to be very effective," said DIAND spokesperson Zoe Raemer.

"(So) we were able to facilitate, along with the GNWT, a connection with an aboriginal firm that designed a consultation tool they use called dialogue circles."

These circles allow people to reflect on a product's relevance and provide feedback. The focus groups provided this service for the self-government packages.

"We wanted to see first what the reception of the document was and whether people found it useful and then we'll strategize what our next steps will be," said Gabriela Sparling, who is the deputy secretary to cabinet in the Department of the Executive.

"Don't forget that those involved at the actual negotiating tables in the NWT are also quite involved in developing communication strategies to inform the people within their region."