Following its tabling in the Legislative Assembly by Premier R.J. Simpson, the Government of the Northwest Territories has released a collaboratively developed Action Plan that sets out the first steps to align laws, policies, and practices in the Northwest Territories with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as set out in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act.

The Action Plan marks an important milestone in the GNWT’s work to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in partnership with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations.

The UN Declaration establishes minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of Indigenous peoples around the world. In 2023, the Northwest Territories became only the third jurisdiction in Canada to legislate implementation of the UN Declaration, following the Government of Canada and British Columbia.

The NWT’s legislation was developed collaboratively between the GNWT, Indigenous governments and organizations, and Members of the Legislative Assembly. The Action Plan builds on that work by identifying the first concrete steps toward aligning GNWT laws, policies, programs, and practices with the principles and rights affirmed in the UN Declaration.

The Action Plan focuses on priority areas including self-determination and self-government; lands, territories and resources; well-being, economic and social equity; and cultural rights, language and identity. It was co-developed through an Action Plan Committee that includes representatives from the GNWT and participating Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations. The plan reflects years of collaborative work, public engagement, and review by participating partners.

Implementation will happen over time. While some actions are already underway, others will require additional engagement, policy development, legislative review, and continued collaboration with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations.

The Action Plan is intended to be a living document and may be updated as the work progresses. Annual reports will serve as a public tool to help residents stay informed on progress and track how implementation is advancing over time.

Quote

“Releasing the first Action Plan is an important milestone for the Northwest Territories and for Canada.

“Implementing the UN Declaration is not a single action or a one-time commitment. It is long-term work that requires us to look carefully at how decisions are made, how relationships are built, and how Indigenous rights are reflected in our laws, policies, programs, and services.

“I want to recognize that this work cannot be done without the knowledge and leadership of Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations. The progress we are making together reflects the strength of collaboration and our shared commitment to a future grounded in respect for rights, recognition of Indigenous knowledge, and meaningful partnership.”

 - R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories

Quick facts

• The United Nations Declaration establishes minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of Indigenous peoples around the world.
• The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act received assent in October 2023, making the Northwest Territories only the third jurisdiction in Canada to legislate its implementation, following the Government of Canada and British Columbia.
• The Action Plan Committee includes the Government of the Northwest Territories and participating Indigenous governments. Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations that have not yet participated in the Action Plan Committee are welcome to join this work.
• The Action Plan is the first phase of implementation and will be updated over time.
• Actions span multiple areas, including governance, lands and resources, and social and economic well-being.
• Progress will be reported publicly on a regular basis. Implementation is expected to take place over multiple years.

Related links

• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act
• Action Plan to Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act
• Annual Report on the Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act

For media requests, please contact:
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Todd_Sasaki@gov.nt.ca