Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations
The Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations is the central agency that supports the Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations.
The Department manages and coordinates the participation of the Government of the Northwest Territories in all land, resource and self-government negotiations.
It is also responsible for negotiating and developing implementation plans and providing strategic advice on Aboriginal and Intergovernmental Relations in the Northwest Territories, in Canada and internationally.
Departmental Divisions
- Directorate - The Directorate manages the internal operations of the Department. It is responsible for providing strategic advice and support to the Minister and the Department.
- Negotiations - The prime functions of the Negotiations Division are to manage GNWT participation in the negotiation of land, resource and self-government agreements in the NWT, and to represent GNWT interests at those negotiations.
- Implementation - This division negotiates implementation plans and manages and monitors the implementation of settled land, resource and self-government agreements.
- Intergovernmental Relations - This division ensures the interests and aspirations of the residents of the Northwest Territories are reflected in the Government of the Northwest Territories’ participation in intergovernmental activities.
- Policy, Legislation and Communications - This division develops public and internal policies and legislative proposals for the Department. The division provides advice to the Minister and Deputy Minister, and develops instructions and mandates for the GNWT's participation in negotiating land, resource and self-government agreements and implementation plans. This division also provides support to GNWT negotiators, participates in central agency review of legislative proposals and is responsible for the overall Department communications.
Our Principles
All of the activities of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations are guided by the following principles:
- Aboriginal people of the Northwest Territories have rights, which should be defined, recognized and protected in a variety of forums.
- 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.
- 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.
- A comprehensive approach to the political and constitutional development in the Northwest Territories should be followed.
- 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.
- 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.
Our Vision
The department’s vision is a workable and affordable system of governance with the Northwest Territories as a full partner in the Canadian federation. This system clarifies, respects and protects both the collective rights of Aboriginal people and the individual rights of all residents.
Our vision compliments the Government of the Northwest Territories Strategic Plan.
Self-reliant individuals and families sharing the rewards and responsibilities of healthy communities and a prosperous and unified Northwest Territories
- A strong northern voice and identity;
- Healthy, educated people living in safe communities, who are able to contribute and take advantage of life’s opportunities;
- Well-governed, sustainable communities and regions able to fulfill their potential;
- A diversified economy that provides Northerners with opportunities and choices;
- Care and protection of the natural environment.
