Celebration of the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government
News release
August 31, 2026 — Délı̨nę, Northwest Territories — The Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, and the Government of Northwest Territories
On September 01, 2026, the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government and Governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories will celebrate the tenth anniversary of the NWT’s first community-based self government, the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government, located in Délı̨nę, NWT. Representing 1300 members who live in the community and across Canada, the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government represents the self government and land claim agreement rights and authorities of Délı̨nę First Nation Citizens. In addition, it is responsible for representing and providing services to all residents of the community.
With over 70 staff members located in the community, over the first ten years, the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government has developed its institutional capabilities, passing laws and exercising authorities over its internal governance, local services, and most recently passed a law in early childhood education. In addition, through its 12 departments, the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government provides programs and services to address priorities such as on the land healing, recreation, post-secondary education supports, and housing and infrastructure. This growth reflects the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government’s responsiveness to community priorities, and successful collaborations with Canada and the GNWT as treaty partners.
The success of the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government over the past ten years is a testament to what can be accomplished when modern treaties have the authority and resources necessary for effective implementation. It is also a testament to the vision of Délı̨nę Elders who saw the best path for future generations in a community united through one institution governing its affairs.
Quotes
“The vision of our Elders, and the strength of our culture and language, connection to the land, and care for one another is the foundation of the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government. We have much work ahead of us, and on this tenth anniversary acknowledge the efforts of Elders, past leaders and staff to build our government; thank the community members for their ongoing support; and recognize the importance of our work for our youth and generations to come. We are committed to continuing to strengthen our relationships with our Treaty partners, the GNWT and Canada, to implement our self government agreement and land claim in ways that benefit our members, and create opportunities for them and for all residents of the Northwest Territories.”
Danny Gaudet
Ɂek’wahtı̨dǝ́
"As the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government marks its tenth anniversary, we celebrate a decade of strong leadership, community service, and self-determination. The success of this historic self-government agreement over the past ten years reflects the vision and determination of the community and demonstrates what is possible when Indigenous Peoples have the ability to shape their own futures. Our government is proud to recognise these achievements and remains committed to supporting the continued success of the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government and the people it serves."
The Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
"Congratulations to the Déline Got'ine Government and the people of Déline on this important milestone. Over the past decade, the Self-Government Agreement has demonstrated what can be achieved when Indigenous peoples are able to exercise their right to self-government, and when all levels of government work together with mutual respect and a shared commitment to the people they serve. As partners, we have strengthened our government-to-government relationship and created new opportunities to support the community's priorities. I look forward to continuing that work together."
R.J. Simpson
Premier of the Northwest Territories
Associated links
Contacts
For more information, media may contact:
Cyre Yukon
Chief Operating Officer
Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government
867-589-8100
dgg.coo@gov.deline.ca
Beau Stobbs
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
EIA_FINComms@gov.nt.ca
(867) 767-9168 Ext. 15016
Alec Wilson
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
alec.wilson@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca
Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca