November 5, 2010 - Premier Floyd Roland and the Northwest Territories’ regional Aboriginal leaders met last night to discuss issues relating to the draft Devolution Agreement-in-Principle (AiP).

The meeting between the Premier and Aboriginal leaders is the latest step in the ongoing Devolution negotiations process.

“We had a healthy discussion on the importance of Devolution and the AiP,” the Premier said. “We have agreed to work on a process that will allow us to move forward with the AiP.”

The draft AiP was forwarded to Aboriginal Leaders, the GNWT and Canada in August by Chief Negotiators who are recommending that it be signed and that negotiations be initiated towards a final agreement.

Approval of the AiP will be necessary before further negotiations on Devolution can take place. The draft AiP confirms the intent of the parties to negotiate a final Devolution agreement, outlines the subjects that will be included in a final agreement, and sets out a process and timelines for negotiations. The AiP is not legally binding and will not commit the parties to signing a final Devolution agreement.

Yesterday’s meeting included the Premier and leaders from the:

• Inuvialuit Regional Corporation;
• Gwich’in Tribal Council;
• Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated;
• Akaitcho Territory Government;
• Tłîchô Government;
• Dehcho First Nations; and
• NWT Métis Nation.

“Devolution will be a major step in the political evolution of the Northwest Territories and we have been working towards it for years,” said Premier Roland. “It will put the control of NWT public lands and resources in the hands of NWT residents for the first time and ensure that we are in a position to make decisions that are in the best interests of the NWT.”

The GNWT is still considering the proposed AiP and expects to make a decision on approving the AiP later this year.

For more information, contact:

Drew Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier/Cabinet
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 669-2304