January 16, 2019 — Norman Wells, NT — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Negotiation of self-government agreements help shape a new relationship with Indigenous peoples that can lead to shared and balanced solutions for the benefit of all Canadians.
Today, Sherry Hodgson, President of the Norman Wells Land Corporation, Marc Miller, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Bob McLeod, Premier and Minister of Executive and Indigenous Affairs for the Government of the Northwest Territories, joined together to celebrate the signing of the Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle for the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Norman Wells.
The Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle is a significant step towards authority to make and enforce laws internal to their community. The Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got'ı̨nę Government will be the foundation upon which to build a government-to-government relationship between the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Norman Wells, the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories within the constitutional framework of Canada.
"When we began these self-government negotiations with Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories in 2007, our goal was to ensure that the rights of the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Norman Wells are preserved and protected for future generations. We have travelled many, many miles on that journey. This agreement is an important cairn on that journey. The Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got'ı̨nę Government will give the Dene and Metis of Norman Wells a say in the things that affect them today, tomorrow and in the future. We look forward to working together with Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories, government to government, to finalize that goal. Thank You, Mahsi Cho."
Sherry Hodgson
President of the Norman Wells Land Corporation
"The Sahtu Dene and Métis of Norman Wells Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle is a step forward in a renewed relationship between our governments."
Marc Miller
Parliament Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
"Finalizing self-government agreements is a priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories and benefits all of our residents. This Agreement-in-Principle brings us another step closer to our shared goal of Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got'ı̨nę Government in Norman Wells and is a direct result of a working relationship based on shared respect, recognition and responsibility."
The Honourable Bob McLeod,
Premier and Minister of Executive and Indigenous Affairs for the Government of the Northwest Territories
Quick facts
One of the five Indigenous communities in the Sahtu Region of the Northwest Territories, Norman Wells has a population of approximately 760 people, 37 per cent of which self-identify as being Indigenous.
Self-government agreements have been or are being negotiated with each of the five Indigenous communities in the Sahtu Region, including the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Norman Wells, pursuant to the 1993 Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement.
The Agreement-in-Principle is not legally binding but will serve as the foundation for the negotiation of the Final Self-Government Agreement for the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Norman Wells.
To date, Canada has signed 22 self-government agreements across Canada involving 43 Indigenous communities.
