On April 22, 1992, the Gwich’in Tribal Council, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), and the Federal Government signed the Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement and the accompanying Implementation Plan. The Agreement took effect on December 22, 1992.
Major provisions of the Agreement include Gwich’in receiving title to 22,422 square kilometres of land in the Northwest Territories (NWT) and 1,554 square kilometres of land in Yukon. The Gwich’in received wildlife harvesting rights and rights of first refusal for commercial wildlife activities in the Gwich'in Settlement Area. Gwich'in have guaranteed Gwich'in representation on institutions of public government established to manage wildlife and regulate land, water, and the environment in the Gwich’in Settlement Area.
The Gwich’in also received $75 million, in 1990 constant dollars, in tax-free capital transfers over 15 years. A $7.4 million capital transfer payment was made to the Gwich’in Tribal Council on the proclamation of the Gwich’in Land Claim Settlement Act. Additional payments were made on each anniversary of the signing of the Agreement. Payments with respect to resource royalties received by government are made to the Gwich’in on a quarterly basis.
The Agreement also provides for the negotiation of agreements on self-government, which would be brought into effect through federal or territorial legislation, or both.
Final Agreement
• Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement
Map
• Map of the Gwich'in Settlement Area
Implementation Plan
• Gwich'in Implementation Plan
Annual Reports
• Annual Reports
