Under the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement, the GTC was granted ownership of 16,264 square kilometres of land in parcels located throughout the Gwich’in Settlement Area and the Yukon. The GTC is responsible for administering these lands and managing the resources connected with them for the benefit of all Gwich’in beneficiaries. This means balancing the need to preserve and protect the natural resources with development that can provide the basis for future economic growth and independence.
The GTC monitors and participates in relevant issues of resource management. It participates in the legislative and policy framework to ensure that Gwich’in interests are represented and wildlife, habitat, and harvesting rights are preserved.
Those wishing to access Gwich’in owned parcels of land must have the authorization of the Gwich’in Tribal Council. Before authorization is granted, applications are examined to determine what if any impacts there may be and how they could be mitigated. Gwich’in communities are given an opportunity to comment on the applications. Applicants are required to ensure they will not harm the land or interfere with beneficiaries’ use of the land unless compensation is provided. Land access fees are required, and in some cases, proponents enter into Comprehensive Cooperation and Benefits Agreements to provide assurance of Gwich’in participation through contracts and employment and monies for scholarships and other trust funds.
IMPLEMENTATION
The Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement places obligations on government and on the GTC. These obligations relate to matters such as resource management, land management, economic development, financial management, wildlife harvesting, enrollment, land use planning, parks, heritage resources, self-government, and protected areas. There is an Implementation Committee made up of representatives of the three parties that signed the agreement: the Gwich’in Tribal Council, the federal government, and the government of the Northwest Territories. This committee meets on a regular basis to ensure that all aspects of the land claim are being properly implemented. Through the Implementation Committee and other regulatory and policy processes the GTC works to resolve outstanding issues and ensure that Gwich’in beneficiaries receive all the benefits to which they are entitled.
