Inuvik (Apr 21/03) - An agreement that will lead the way to a system of government never before tried before was signed here last Wednesday.

The Gwich'in and Inuvialuit Self-Government Agreement in Principle outlines a system of government in the Beaufort Delta that will represent regional powers to the two aboriginal groups and all others who live here.

The AIP was initialled Oct. 3, 2001, and scheduled to be signed June 21, 2002, but Gwich'in chiefs refused to support the document over their disagreement on a section that called for the dissolution of the Gwich'in bands. To rectify that problem, negotiators have worked with the chiefs and had band council resolutions signed supporting the AIP.

The signing ceremony was held at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex with entertainment provided by the East 3 Reelers, who jigged with all the signatories.

The event began with speeches from co-hosts and negotiators from the Inuvialuit and Gwich'in.

Gwich'in negotiator Lawrence Norbert dedicated the day to Charlie Snowshoe and other elders who have died before they could see the completion of their work.

"The have certainly paved the way for us," Norbert said. "We owe them our gratitude."

Norbert said the time has come for the people of the Beaufort Delta to be "masters of our own destiny, rather than wards of the state."

Norbert was one of the students at the leadership program in Fort Smith under the guidance of Father Pochat who told his students:

"Don't be afraid -- go for it, whatever you do."

Fred Carmichael said the day called for celebration, but also warned that there is a long way to go and all the people of the region need to work together.

"We have to put our petty jealousies aside," Carmichael scolded. "Let's be straight out about it -- we are have trouble working within our organizations." He harkened back to when he was a child in Aklavik. When the Inuvialuit, Gwich'in and "the white trappers" all worked together.

"They all shared the land in harmony and they got along with one another very well," he said. "Why? Because in those days, they needed one another and they depended on one another."

"You need one another today, just as much as you did back then."

Nellie Cournoyea, chair and CEO of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation congratulated the people on their determination in seeing the deal this far.

Cournoyea held up elders Annie Goose and Jane Charlie as examples of the strong people who set down the roots for the new generation.

"Those roots are strong and those roots will make sure that what ever we do and the accountabilities that we take in signing this document today are the right ones," Cournoyea said.

She said there is no shame in difference of opinion and how in Southern Canada it's called a "great debate," but when aboriginals have differences, "they're fighting."

"Debate is good and different opinions are good," she said, adding that people should not be fearful of speaking their minds, because honesty will show the right path.

Robert Nault, Minister for Indian and Northern Affairs, said the aboriginal groups should be congratulated in the achievements and said the region has much to look forward to.

"When we consider these positive achievements along with the exciting resurgence in resource developments in the region and the partnerships they offer, we can feel very confident about the future of the Beaufort Delta," Nault said.

"I look forward to coming back to sign the final agreement very soon."