YELLOWKNIFE (May 23, 2013) – Chiefs of the Akaitcho Territory Dene First Nations and Members of the Executive Council of the 17th Legislative Assembly met today in Yellowknife and signed an intergovernmental memorandum of understanding (MOU) recognizing the importance of their government-to-government relationship.
The agreement acknowledges the unique and evolving relationship between the two governments and identifies areas of shared interest and cooperation.
“The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to working closely with Aboriginal governments to advance the common interests of their members and all NWT residents. The Akaitcho Territory Dene First Nations and Government of the Northwest Territories Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding is a direct result of the principles and points discussed in ‘Respect, Recognition, Responsibility’,” said Premier Bob McLeod. “I look forward to continuing to further strengthen this commitment with the Akaitcho and with all Aboriginal governments in the Northwest Territories.”
The Akaitcho chiefs provided a shared statement that “We are signing the Intergovernmental MOU to establish the government to government relationship with the GNWT to work on common issues and hopefully through this MOU we can build a better working relationship to move forward.”
In addition to signing the MOU, the first government-to-government meeting based on the MOU was held. Discussion included a range of topics of shared interest including:
- Funding for the community of N’dilo,
- Trespass on Commissioner’s and Crown land,
- Abandoned fuel distribution lines in Fort Resolution,
- Lutsel K’e Dene School renovation,
- Dettah Access Road, and
- Devolution.
Formal government-to-government meetings and the signing of an intergovernmental cooperation MOU are commitments contained in the GNWT’s Respect, Recognition, Responsibility: The Government of the Northwest Territories’ Approach to Engaging with Aboriginal Governments. These commitments support the 17th Legislative Assembly’s vision Believing in People and Building on the Strengths of Northerners.
Through the MOU, the Akaitcho Territory Dene First Nations are hoping to build a better relationship in moving forward in dealing with community and regional issues that Akaitcho see as priority for both governments in finding solutions and successes.
The MOU sets out a commitment to meet bilaterally twice per year. The next meeting will be held in an Akaitcho community this fall.
For more information:
Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Government of the Northwest Territories
867-669-2302
Don Balsillie
Akaitcho Chief Negotiator
867-873-9282
Akaitcho Territory Dene First Nations and GNWT Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding - English
Akaitcho Territory Dene First Nations and GNWT Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding - Dene Suline
Akaitcho Territory Dene First Nations and GNWT Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding - Weledeh