Why do People Pursue Self-Government Agreements?
Given the challenges, why do Indigenous peoples pursue self-government agreements?
- Nation Building: Self-government is about a lot more than simply delivering federal or provincial programming. It’s about nation building. The leaders who implement these agreements and the communities they represent are passionately committed to regaining what has been lost through colonization.
- Increased Rights and Powers: Modern treaty self-government agreements are one of many tools used to assert and protect self-determination. While there are barriers to their implementation, these constitutionally protected agreements introduce increased rights and powers, including law making powers over a wide range of important topics.
- Additional Revenue: Self-government also provides access to additional funding and revenue streams, such as income tax and sales tax sharing agreements. Canada has been slow to negotiate these sections, but there has been movement in recent years.
The Gwich’in Tribal Council, a modern treaty government in Northwest Territories, is currently negotiating a self-government agreement with the Government of Canada. When completed, the agreement will enable the GTC to continue the work begun on the effective date of their modern treaty in December 1992.
While the Gwich’in have accomplished much since 1992 without self-government, this agreement will help to provide the autonomy and resources required to continue the process of reclaiming control of their territory, their communities and their economy for future generations.
