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DIAND ready to deal

Three levels of government meet for an Intergovernmental Forum

Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services

Inuvik (May 25/01) - The federal government says it is prepared to work on a process for turning over land and resource responsibility to aboriginal groups with settled land claims.

An intergovernmental forum was held Tuesday in Inuvik at the Midnight Sun Recreational Conference Centre, where three levels of government expressed optimistic outlooks on the step that will see a formal process worked up by March 31, 2002.

The federal and territorial governments, along with aboriginal group representatives, essentially announced the agreement that will enable them to proceed with a plan for devolution of resources as well as establishing other programs.

"We have agreed on a set of principles ... and endorsed and memorandum of intent to go to cabinet to start formal negotiations," said Robert Nault, minister of Indian and Northern affairs.

"This will be the first attempt to deal with this jurisdiction with all governments at the table."

Nault was supported by Premier Stephen Kakfwi and Inuvialuit Regional Development chair Nellie Cournoyea.

The meeting in Inuvik was the second Intergovernmental Forum. The first was held in Hay River last year, when priorities were identified. Aside from devolution, plans are also being worked on to move ahead with other priorities identified as economic development and capacity-sharing.

There are no plans in place to establish programs under those priorities, either. But, said Nault, "we have instructed our officials to work hard over the summer."

The next forum, to be held in the fall, will focus on programs implemented under capacity building, meant to offer communities a sturdy involvement in economic development through employment education and training programs.

Leaders also agreed to create an NWT Economic Development Advisory Forum that will meet to discuss economic issues between three and six times per year.