Government of Canada Supports Advancing Treaty and Self-Government Negotiations in the Northwest Territories through Ministerial Special Representative Appointments

OTTAWA, July 19, 2016 /CNW/ - Successful completion of treaty and self-government negotiations is key to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous communities in Canada and are an important path to improving the quality of life and self-sufficiency.

Today, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, Carolyn Bennett, and Premier and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations for the Government of the Northwest Territories, Bob McLeod, announced the appointment of Thomas Isaac as Ministerial Special Representative (MSR). The MSR will help to advance treaty and self-government negotiations in the region and undertake discussions with the Akaitcho Dene First Nation (Akaitcho) and the Northwest Territory Métis Nation (NWTMN) to help resolve outstanding negotiations and overlapping interests.

Negotiations of land claims and self-government are currently underway in the southeast region and involve issues shared by both the Akaitcho and the NWTMN. Mr. Isaac, who will report jointly to Minister Bennett and Premier McLeod, is asked to identify ways to facilitate the successful and timely resolution of these outstanding negotiations, and will suggest options for the resolution of overlapping Indigenous interests in the area.

It has also been confirmed that Minister Bennett, in a meeting with Premier McLeod and the Dehcho First Nations on July 18, announced the appointment of Ms. Anne Marie Doyle as the Ministerial Special Representative to the negotiations with the Dehcho First Nations to explore options for the resolution of land quantum and land management issues in the Dehcho region.

Quotes

"Our government is committed to advancing treaty and self-government negotiations in genuine partnership with the Akaitcho Dene First Nation and the Northwest Territory Métis Nation on a nation-to-nation basis.  The successful conclusion of these agreements will support increased quality of life and self-determination for these communities. I am confident that the appointments of Thomas Isaac and Anne Marie Doyle as Ministerial Special Representatives will assist us in finding real solutions that reflect this spirit of reconciliation."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D.,P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

"With several land, resources and self-government agreements already being implemented here, the Government of the Northwest Territories remains committed to working with Aboriginal governments in the spirit of respect, recognition and responsibility. I believe there is an historic opportunity to further strengthen relationships with Aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories through the settlement of remaining claims and am pleased to share in the appointment of the Ministerial Special Representative. I look forward to working with our partners to complete negotiations in the near future."

The Honourable Bob McLeod
Premier and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations for the Government of the Northwest Territories

Quick Facts

• Mr. Isaac and Ms Doyle are asked to report back to Minister Bennett and Premier McLeod in December 2016.
• There are 10 Indigenous groups representing over 20 communities in the Northwest Territories that are negotiating comprehensive land claims or self-government agreements at various stages of the process.
• Overall, since 1973, Canada and its negotiation partners have signed 26 comprehensive land claims and four self-government agreements across Canada. Of the 26 signed agreements, 18 included provisions related to self-government. Negotiations are ongoing at about 100 treaty and self-government negotiation tables across the country.

Related Products

Biographical Note: Thomas Isaac
Biographical Note: Anne Marie Doyle

Associated links

Ministerial Special Representative to support finalizing land claim for the Dehcho First Nations 
Northwest Territories – Agreements under Negotiation 
Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Information System

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

For further information: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160; Andrew Livingstone, Senior Communications Advisor, Government of the Northwest Territories, 867-767-9140 ext. 11091