Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that on June 13th, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Akaitcho Dene First Nations signed a political accord in Lutselk'e.
Mr. Speaker, this political accord marks the beginning of a new inter-governmental relationship between the GNWT and the Akaitcho Dene First Nations. The political accord is an important first step in building recognition and respect between both governments. As importantly, the two governments have agreed to work together in order to address important territorial-wide issues that are key to improving the economic and social well being of our residents.
Mr. Speaker, the 14th Legislative Assembly, in developing its strategic framework for the future, Towards a Better Tomorrow, committed to building and enhancing its inter-governmental relationships with aboriginal governments by fostering mutually respectful and cooperative partnerships. The political accord with the Akaitcho Dene First Nation fully supports this commitment.
Mr. Speaker, the political accord commits both governments to work together in partnership on issues that affect the Akaitcho Territory and the NWT as a whole.
Mr. Speaker, two of the specific objectives of the political accord that both governments have agreed to work in partnership on are:
- • increasing the capacity of the Akaitcho Dene First Nations in preparation for the implementation of self-government pursuant to the Akaitcho Agreement; and
- • the consideration of possible partnership arrangements in the area of natural resources and the sharing of resource revenues.
Mr. Speaker, it is only through open and regular dialogue with aboriginal governments and through vehicles like this political accord and the intergovernmental forum that we can, in partnership, develop a common vision for our Territory, make progress on the many challenges that face our people and take advantage of the economic opportunities in our own backyard.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time today, I will table the political accord between the Akaitcho Dene First Nations and the GNWT. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause