Context
It’s important to understand how we got here in terms of the political development of the NWT and Indigenous rights. This section will provide some of that background information for you to explore.
It’s important to understand how we got here in terms of the political development of the NWT and Indigenous rights. This section will provide some of that background information for you to explore.
With the signing of the Devolution Agreement in 2014, the federal government transferred management of public lands, waters, and natural resources to the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT).
Some Indigenous government organizations in the NWT signed onto this devolution agreement, which made them partners in the development of any legislation related to land, water, and resource matters. Others have decided not to join this arrangement as they want these matters on the table during their treaty entitlement, land rights and self-government negotiations. Indigenous governments are increasingly involved in the development and review of GNWT legislation, regulations and policies.
The federal government retains some significant authority over environmental management in areas including national parks, some other conservation areas, fisheries, migratory birds, endangered species, toxic substances, federal contaminated sites and more.
Other bodies, namely co-management boards negotiated through Indigenous land rights agreements, have significant authority over land use, water use, wildlife conservation and harvesting, environmental assessment, and more. Half of the co-management boards usually consist of federal and territorial government appointees and the others are recommended or appointed by Indigenous governments. These co-management bodies have offices, staff and policies that assist in making their recommendations, and in some cases, decisions on resource management.
All of this makes for a unique environmental management regime, different by design, and comprehensive when it is fully funded and supported.
Many unique local factors shape how acts, regulations, and policies are developed in the Northwest Territories. For instance, the NWT’s consensus style of government has no political parties, which gives all elected members the opportunity to provide input on legislation.
The NWT government’s constantly evolving responsibilities and powers, as well as its partnerships with Indigenous government organizations, also influence the legislative process.
Find out how the following agreements, acts, policies, reports, and plans influence the development of Northern legislation.
