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NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
The signing of three documents at the Aklavik Band Office Oct. 12 brought the NWT one step closer to bringing all territorial aboriginal groups to the devolution table.

President of the Gwich'in Tribal Council, Robert Alexie Jr., signs the Devolution Agreement-in-Principle between the GNWT and the Gwich'in Tribal Council in Aklavik Oct. 12. - Danielle Sachs/NNSL photo

While it was announced the Gwich'in Tribal (GTC) Council had signed the Devolution Agreement-in-Principle Sept. 11 in Yellowknife, the recent event in Aklavik also showcased two more documents, the memorandum of understanding within the Gwich'in Settlement Area between the GNWT and the GTC and an agreement regarding cooperation and communication between the same two parties.

Signing agreement-in-principle was one of the toughest decisions so far, said Robert Alexie Jr., president of the GTC.

"It wasn't an easy process but I think we came through it," he said.

The GTC had been in court with the GNWT since January over what they called a lack of consultation, but by signing on to the agreement, the GTC is guaranteed a seat at the negotiating table for the final agreement.

The final agreement is expected to be complete by the end of 2012, said Premier Bob McLeod.

"Our time line is to have it before the end of 2012 and have it take effect April 1, 2014," he said.

Devolution would give control over lands and resources to the GNWT and give the government 50 per cent of all resource revenue and royalties. Currently, it's under control of the federal government. Under the agreement, 25 per cent of all funds would be distributed to aboriginal groups, providing they have signed the deal.

"The GNWT is committed to working in partnership with all regional aboriginal governments," said McLeod.

"We know we're stronger and more successful when we work together for the best interests of all the people of the NWT, and I'm pleased to have the GTC as partners with us."

To date, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Sahtu Secretariat and the NWT Metis Nation have all signed the agreement-in-principle. The Akaitcho Territory Government, Tlicho Government and the Dehcho First Nations have not, but McLeod said the territorial government is in active discussions with all aboriginal groups.

"I think as long as we're talking we'll be able to get to some form of understanding," he said.

"The Tlicho have indicated that they want to sign on but they have some conditions and we're waiting to see if we can live with those conditions."

The signing of the three documents will set the stage for intergovernmental relations, said Fred Koe.

"These are three precedent setting documents," he said.

The Umbrella Intergovernmental Agreement is one way to help government-to-government relationships, said McLeod.

The agreement states that there will be a minimum of two meetings annually between the GNWT and the GTC, one held in Yellowknife and the other in a community within the Gwich'in Settlement Area.

"We've identified priority areas we want to discuss," said McLeod.

The Memorandum of Understanding was drafted to improve the involvement of Gwich'in businesses in GNWT contracts within the Gwich'in Settlement Area.

"We're looking at jobs across the spectrum," said Alexie. "It's the value at the end."

The agreements are about looking forward, said Alexie. He insists the Gwich'in didn't have to give up anything before signing any of the agreements.

"We've gained quite a bit with these three documents, this is all about moving forward."

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