Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier I spoke about Treaties 8 and 11. Most of the Northwest Territories First Nations are descendants of leaders who negotiated Treaties 8 and 11 of 1899 and 1900. Those treaties were built and founded on the ideal of Nation to Nation. As I indicated in my Member's statement, my question is to the Premier. I would appreciate hearing the Premier's perspective on how the GNWT views treaty rights. Mahsi.
Masi. Honourable Premier.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As spelled out in our Respect, Recognition and Responsibility Policy, the Government of the Northwest Territories recognizes that Section 35 of the Constitution Act of 1982 recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of Aboriginal people. The Government of the Northwest Territories supports the recognition of rights of Indigenous peoples, honouring treaties and claims, and implementation of calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee.
I should also point out that the Government of the Northwest Territories has signed the Gwich'in and Sahtu Land Claim Agreements, which are recognized as modern treaties by the constitution. The Government of the Northwest Territories is also a full party of the Tlicho Agreement and the Deline Final Self-Government Agreement, which are also modern treaties recognized by the constitution. The Government of the Northwest Territories also recognizes and respects Treaties 8 and 11, the Salt River Treaty Land Entitlement Agreement, and the Inuvialuit Final Agreement.
I believe in 2001, as well, this government signed the Interim Measures Agreement and also the framework agreement that recognizes the role of the GNWT, the federal government, and the Dehcho First Nations in the current negotiations process. How is the GNWT planning to help move the negotiations forward in respect of the Dehcho Process?
I will be speaking to Minister Bennett about the letter received from the grand chief, as well as the letters attached to it from Chief Norwegian of the Jean Marie River First Nations, Chief Bonnetrouge of the Deh Gah Got'ie First Nation, and Chief Cayen of the West Point First Nation. The GNWT and Canada continue to work together on how to advance these negotiations and resolve areas of disagreement for which there is no clarity.
The question I would like to ask is: is the GNWT willing to accept the advice of DFN to engage the services of a mediator at the negotiating table? If not, why not?
The Dehcho Framework Agreement contemplates that, should an impasse be reached at negotiations, any party can request the use of a facilitator. I understand this to mean that the parties could engage a facilitator to assist them with finding a solution to the impasse that each party could support. Should the Dehcho or Canada request the use of a facilitator, the Government of the Northwest Territories would be prepared to engage the use of a facilitator with Canada and the Dehcho First Nations.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my last question is in terms of maybe the idea of a facilitator, but we do also have a joint working group between Cabinet and the Regular side. Of course, on the Regular side, we have a vested interest. We all have a vested interest in ensuring that the negotiations and the parties move forward. However, we have a joint working group. Would the Premier contemplate the idea of perhaps having the Joint Working Group on Aboriginal Affairs have an active role in terms of trying to encourage and support the negotiations process moving forward?
We will be very pleased to adhere to the terms of reference of the joint committee. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.
