Sherry Hodgson, President of the Norman Wells Land Corporation, Marc Miller, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Bob McLeod, Premier and Minister of Executive and Indigenous Affairs for the Government of the Northwest Territories, joined together to celebrate the signing of the Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle for the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Norman Wells.

"When we began these self-government negotiations with Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories in 2007, our goal was to ensure that the rights of the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Norman Wells are preserved and protected for future generations. We have travelled many, many miles on that journey. This agreement is an important cairn on that journey. The Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’ı̨nę Government will give the Dene and Metis of Norman Wells a say in the things that affect them today, tomorrow and in the future. We look forward to working together with Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories, government to government, to finalize that goal. Thank You, Mahsi Cho."

Sherry Hodgson
President of the Norman Wells Land Corporation

“The Sahtu Dene and Métis of Norman Wells Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle is a step forward in a renewed relationship between our governments.”

Marc Miller
Parliament Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

“Finalizing self-government agreements is a priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories and benefits all of our residents. This Agreement-in-Principle brings us another step closer to our shared goal of Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’ı̨nę Government in Norman Wells and is a direct result of a working relationship based on shared respect, recognition and responsibility.”
 
The Honourable Bob McLeod,
Premier and Minister of Executive and Indigenous Affairs for the Government of the Northwest Territories

• One of the five Indigenous communities in the Sahtu Region of the Northwest Territories, Norman Wells has a population of approximately 760 people, 37 per cent of which self-identify as being Indigenous.

• Self-government agreements have been or are being negotiated with each of the five Indigenous communities in the Sahtu Region, including the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Norman Wells, pursuant to the 1993 Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement.

• The Agreement-in-Principle is not legally binding but will serve as the foundation for the negotiation of the Final Self-Government Agreement for the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Norman Wells.

• To date, Canada has signed 22 self-government agreements across Canada involving 43 Indigenous communities.

Related products

• Backgrounder - Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle for the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Norman Wells

Associated links

• News Release – One More Step on the Journey of Reconciliation in the Northwest Territories

For more information, media may contact:

Matthew Dillon-Leitch
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca

Paul Tan
A/Executive Director
Norman Wells Land Corporation
867 587 2455 ext. 2

Todd Sasaki
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
867-767-9151 ext. 14032 

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