Negotiating Land  Claims and Self-Government

Before the arrival of Europeans to Canada, Inuit and First Nation peoples in Canada had their own systems of government. These systems were based on their cultures and spiritual beliefs, as well as their economic, social, and geographic circumstances. When Europeans arrived, they introduced their own systems of laws and policies. Over time, traditional Aboriginal governance was replaced with the new systems. The Canadian government began arranging treaties.

The Government of Canada believes Aboriginal peoples' land issues must be settled fairly and that Aboriginal peoples have the right to govern themselves, to make decisions about matters that affect their communities, and to exercise the responsibility that comes with self-government. By negotiating modern treaties - land claim and self-government agreements - there is an exciting future ahead for Aboriginal people in the NWT.

Comprehensive land claim agreements are intended to clearly define Aboriginal rights over land, resources, governance, and the use of Crown and Commissioner's lands for hunting, fishing and trapping.

Self-government agreements are negotiated between the Aboriginal group, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and the Government of Canada.

Aboriginal self-government agreements work to define decision-making power over several areas, such as community programs and services and cultural matters. Self-government in the NWT is negotiated at either the community or regional level.

Here are some key factors that have played an important role in negotiating and settling land claims and self-government:

• Aboriginal Rights
• The Royal Proclamation of 1763
• Treaties 8 and 11 (1899 & 1922)
• The Indian Act
• Comprehensive Claims Policy
• The Constitution Act, 1982
• 1995 Inherent Right Policy
• Settled NWT Land Claims and Self-Government Agreements
• Current NWT Land Claim and Self-Government Negotiations

For more information, visit Negotiations and Agreements.