The GNWT’s vision to guide its decisions about land use and land management is:

Land is life – it sustains and nourishes us spiritually, culturally, physically, economically and socially. Working together, Northerners will responsibly and sustainably manage the lands, waters and natural resources of the Northwest Territories for the benefit of current and future generations.

This vision embraces the spirit and intent of sustainability and stewardship.

Land use is sustainable if it meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Land use is sustainable if it has a capacity to ensure that current and future economic, social and cultural needs are met. Land use is sustainable if it maintains ecosystem integrity and biological diversity.

The vision states that all Northerners are responsible for the planning and management of land and resources. This concept of stewardship speaks to the need for everyone to take responsibility for lands, water and resources and to work collaboratively to safeguard what is important, whether it is traditional values, environmental conditions or the prosperity of Northerners.

If we achieve this vision, we will see a Northwest Territories with:

• Rich diversity of cultures and ways of life for NWT residents;
• Healthy ecosystems and environment; and
• Responsible and diversified economic development.