INUVIK (December 12, 2012) – Members of the Executive Council of the 17th Legislative Assembly and the Gwich’in Tribal Council Board of Directors met in Inuvik on December 10-11. This was the first meeting of the Gwich’in Tribal Council and the GNWT since the signing of the intergovernmental agreement between the two governments on October 13, 2012.
The meeting focused on areas of mutual interest, including:
- Creating opportunities that promote economic self-sufficiency for Gwich’in participants, businesses and the region.
- Aboriginal student achievement, including attendance, inclusive schooling, standards and post-secondary education.
- Devolution and opportunities to work together on land and resource management.
“We are well on our way to building a strong, sustainable future for the Gwich’in region and our territory,” said Premier Bob McLeod. “Strengthening relationships with Aboriginal governments is a priority of the Legislative Assembly, and we honour Gwich’in values, tradition and culture. We have already seen benefits from working together on management of resources and support for businesses in the region. This focused cooperation and coordination between our two governments provides us with a much clearer understanding of each other’s needs and challenges. We have set goals for the coming year that reflect our shared priorities, and we will report on our progress.”
“This is one of the first steps in rebuilding our relationship with government and attempting to promote opportunities for our people and our business,” said President Robert A. Alexie. “By working and cooperating with other governments we can make progress and move forward. I would like to thank Premier McLeod and the GNWT Cabinet for coming into our Settlement Area to meet with us”
The Umbrella Intergovernmental Agreement regarding Intergovernmental Cooperation and Coordination signed on October 13, 2012, recognizes the importance of the government-to-government relationship between the Gwich’in Tribal Council and the GNWT. It commits both governments to meet twice per year, and is part of
Respect, Recognition, Responsibility: The Government of the Northwest Territories’ Approach to Engaging with Aboriginal Governments.
The GNWT and GTC are committed to supporting and promoting a culturally vibrant, self-sufficient and independent Gwich’in region that is environmentally responsible and socially, economically and politically self-reliant in a global community. Both governments aim to inspire, encourage and build Gwich’in by working together for the good of the Gwich’in; build relationships, create opportunities, and nurture innovative partnerships that result in healthy people and a thriving economy through leadership of respect, integrity and sharing.
For more information:
Shaun Dean
Press Secretary
Government of the Northwest Territories
867-669-2304
shaun_dean@gov.nt.ca
Fred E. Koe
Chief Operating Officer
Gwich’in Tribal Council
867-777-7934
fkoe@gwichin.nt.ca