INUVIK (January 16, 2012) - The GNWT has concluded government-to-government meetings with the Gwich'in Tribal Council. All GNWT ministers attended these meetings and discussed issues of mutual interest and concern with Gwich'in leadership. The agenda included land claims implementation, infrastructure projects, building the economy, and devolution.

"Our government-to-government relationship is critical to maintaining and improving initiatives throughout the Gwich'in region," said Premier Bob McLeod. "My Cabinet colleagues and I believe in the importance of forums like this one. We can take the time to listen to each other and discuss regional issues in a collaborative environment. I was especially interested in the Gwich'in perspective on the relationship between health and justice, and have asked senior officials to follow up directly to complete this work. The leaders’ proposal to develop a Beaufort-Delta Tourism Strategy has great potential to create jobs and show off our spectacular territory to the world. We also had encouraging talks about capacity building. We agree that governments need to invest in infrastructure and stimulate the private sector to create jobs. These are necessary steps toward our shared vision of a unified, sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories."

The GNWT's priorities are outlined under the theme Believing in People and Building on the Strengths of Northerners. In the Gwich'in region, P3 investments for the Mackenzie Valley Fibreoptic Link will improve communications infrastructure, and the Shelter Policy Review will provide a long-term strategic framework for delivering housing.

For more information, contact:

Megan Holsapple
Media Liaison
Office of the Premier and Executive Council
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 669-2302
Fax: (867) 873-0111