Gwich'in Self-Government Negotiations
NEGOTIATIONS MANDATE
The purpose of the self-government negotiations mandate is for the Gwich’in Tribal Council Board of Directors to provide the Gwich’in self-government negotiations team with the principles that will guide them as they negotiate a self-government agreement with Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Background
The obligation to negotiate a self-government agreement arises out of Chapter 5 of the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claims Agreement (the “GCLCA”).
5.1.1 Government shall enter into negotiations with the Gwich’in with a view to concluding agreements on self-government appropriate to the unique circumstances of the Gwich’in and in conformity with the Constitution of Canada.
Aside from our obligation to negotiate, we want to negotiate in order to gain more control over our own internal affairs. Our right to control our own affairs is an inherent right and through negotiations with government, we strive to ensure that our inherent right to govern ourselves is expressed in any final self-government agreement.
Our Mission
Our mission is to assert and implement our inherent right to govern ourselves and to continue to survive as Gwich’in according to our traditions, language and culture.
Gwich’in Negotiating Team
Gwich’in Tribal Council
- Mary Ann Ross, Senior Negotiator
- Dave Joe, Legal Counsel (consultant)
Gwichya Gwich’in Council
- Philip Blake, President
Arctic Red River Indian Band
- Frederick Blake Jr., Chief
- Douglas Kendo, Acting Sub-Chief
Tetlit Gwich’in Council / Fort McPherson Indian Band
- William Koe, President/Chief
Ehdiitat Gwich’in Council
- Charles Furlong, President
- Eliza Greenland, Elders Representative
Aklavik Indian Band
- Chief Danny Greenland
Nihtat Gwich’in Council / Inuvik Indian Band
- Herbert Blake, Jr., President/Chief
- Diane Baxter, Sub-Chief
PERSONNEL
Director Intergovernmental Relations PATRICK TOMLINSON 777-7941 ptomlinson@gwichin.nt.ca
Senior Negotiator MARY ANN ROSS 777-7905 mross@gwichin.nt.ca
Legal Counsel (consultant) DAVE JOE 604-786-3714 davejoe@telus.net
Regional Coordinator MAVIS CLARK 777-7942 mclark@gwichin.nt.ca
