Signing of the Inuvialuit Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle

More decision-making powers for Inuvialuit communities

OTTAWA, July 21, 2015 /CNW/ - The Inuvialuit have reached an important step with the signing of the Inuvialuit Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle (AIP) by Mark Strahl, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Ms. Nellie Cournoyea, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, and the Honourable Bob McLeod, Premier and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations for the Government of the Northwest Territories.

The final Inuvialuit Self-Government Agreement will clarify the responsibilities of the relationship among the future Inuvialuit Government, the Government of Northwest Territories and the Government of Canada. With the signing of the Inuvialuit Self-Government AIP, the three parties will now initiate the negotiations process towards the conclusion of the final Inuvialuit Self-Government Agreement.

Quick Facts

• The AIP will serve as the foundation for the negotiation of a final Inuvialuit Self-Government Agreement. As such, it marks an important step on the road toward Aboriginal self-government for the Inuvialuit. 
• The AIP deals with various matters such as culture and language, health, social service, education, economic development, justice and taxation.
• The Inuvialuit AIP describes the Inuvialuit Government and its roles and responsibilities, the structure of the Inuvialuit Council, and the relationship the Inuvialuit Government will have with Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories.
• In 1984, the Inuvialuit concluded the first comprehensive land claim agreement in the Northwest Territories, the Inuvialuit Final Agreement (also known as the Western Arctic Claim). It was signed in June 1984 and came into effect in July 1984.

Quotes

"A self-government agreement will provide the Inuvialuit with more flexibility and control in the development and delivery of programs and services in a manner best suited to their culture and values. Today marks an important step forward on the path to reconciliation and to healthier, more self-sufficient and prosperous Inuvialuit communities which benefits all of Canada."

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

"It is my pleasure to be part of such an important day for the Inuvialuit. Self-government is an important tool that will help the Inuvialuit create a more positive and stable environment for investment and growth as well as bring them greater control over their future."

Mark Strahl,
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"Today marks an important step in ensuring that government programs and services provided to the Inuvialuit are designed and delivered in a manner that fully respects and accommodates Inuvialuit culture, lifestyle and traditions. The self-government Agreement-in-Principle signifies the intent and good faith of all parties to negotiate and work towards a final agreement for the sharing of governance powers between the federal and territorial governments and the Inuvialuit. Today we are pleased to recognize and celebrate this important milestone."

Nellie Cournoyea
Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation

"Decisions by Northerners for Northerners have been a priority for the Government and Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories for years. Since the days of the Committee for Original People's Entitlement and the negotiation of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement, the Inuvialuit have been leaders in striving towards that goal. The signing of this self-government Agreement-in-Principle is another important step for Inuvialuit and I am honoured to share this milestone with them."

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

Related Products

Backgrounder – Inuvialuit Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle
Chronology – Significant Events Inuvialuit – Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle
Frequently Asked Question – Inuvialuit Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle

Associated Links

Inuvialuit Regional Corporation

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SOURCE Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Emily Hillstrom, Press Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 819-953-1160; Nellie Cournoyea, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, 867-777-7000; Roya Grinsted, Media Liaison, Government of the Northwest Territories, Office of the Premier and Executive Council, 867-669-2308