Aboriginal rights negotiations are underway in all regions of the NWT. Aboriginal governments seek to confirm their Aboriginal and Treaty rights within the NWT. Each set of negotiations is unique with its own priorities and content.
Aboriginal rights negotiations in the NWT are guided by a framework that includes the Federal Inherent Right Policy, Comprehensive Land Claims Policy, and Specific Claims Policy. Negotiations are also guided by precedent found in completed NWT final agreements and agreements-in-principle. In addition, GNWT participation is informed by the Key Features of Western NWT Society (tabled in the Legislative Assembly in September 1998), the GNWT's Aboriginal Land Claims Policy, and negotiating mandates.
Current negotiations can be divided into four categories:
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