Mandate
The mandate of the Minister and Department is to protect, develop and promote the interests of the territorial government and the residents of the Northwest Territories in the negotiation and implementation of land, resource and self-government agreements that address Aboriginal rights in the Northwest Territories; participate in the political and constitutional development of the Northwest Territories; and ensure that mutually respectful intergovernmental relations between the territorial government and Aboriginal, provincial, territorial, national and international governments are developed and maintained.
Principles
In directing the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations to carry out its mandate, the Minister will adhere to the following principles:
(1) Aboriginal people of the Northwest Territories have rights, which should
be defined, recognized and protected in a variety of forums.
(2) The interests of the residents of the Northwest Territories should be
best served by a negotiated resolution of Aboriginal rights, including
land, resource and self-government agreements, and the political
and constitutional development of the Northwest Territories.
(3) Political and constitutional development, including the resolution of
Aboriginal rights, should promote greater self determination for the
Northwest Territories and develop forms of public and Aboriginal
government that reflect the interests of the residents of the Northwest
Territories.
(4) A comprehensive approach to the political and constitutional
development in the Northwest Territories should be followed.
(5) The negotiation and implementation of land, resource and self-
government agreements and political and constitutional development
should be coordinated with the negotiation of agreements respecting
the transfer of provincial-type powers and the management and
ownership of public lands and resources.
(6) The Government of the Northwest Territories’ relationship with
Aboriginal, provincial, territorial, national and international
governments should be managed in a coordinated and coherent
manner for the benefit of the Northwest Territories’ residents,
economy, governments and environment.
In addition to fulfilling our mandate, the Department also upholds the Vision of the 16th Assembly. The Vision of the 16th Assembly supports strong individuals, families and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities of a unified environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories.