Northwest Territories. Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations (2006-2017)

The Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations (DAAIR) formed in 2006-2007 when the Department of Aboriginal Affairs gained the intergovernmental relations function from the Department of Executive. The Department of Aboriginal Affairs had also been responsible for devolution and resource revenue functions, however with the formation of the DAAIR, these functions remained with the Executive.

The Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations was the central agency that supported the Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations. The Department managed and coordinated the participation of the GNWT in all land, resource and self-government negotiations. It was also responsible for negotiating and developing implementation plans and providing strategic advice on Aboriginal and Intergovernmental Relations in the NWT, Canada and internationally.

The Department consisted of five divisions: the Directorate Division, Negotiations Division, Implementation Division, Intergovernmental Relations Division and Policy, Legislation and Communications Division. The Directorate Division managed the internal operations of the Department. It was responsible for providing strategic advice and support to the Minister and the Department. In addition to internal management responsibilities, the Directorate provided strategic advice and support to the Minister and the Department on political and constitutional development, and on Intergovernmental relations with Aboriginal leaders and organizations territorially, nationally and internationally. It also coordinated the financial and business planning for the Department. The Directorate helped to support Aboriginal organizations through and grants and contributions program that provides core funding to Métis Locals, funding to Aboriginal organizations for special events such as Aboriginal Day, and funding to municipalities to allow for planning and participation in self-government negotiations.

The Negotiations Division participated in land, resource and self-government negotiations, as well as treaty land entitlement negotiations that were active within the NWT. It was responsible for representing the interests of the GNWT at each table, as well as the interests of all NWT residents. In self-government negotiations, territorial jurisdiction or law-making authorities and the programs and services are under negotiation. New systems of governance emerged into the northern political landscape as agreements were finalized and implemented. There were new regional and community systems of governance, some representing a combination of Aboriginal and public governments, while others the creation of Aboriginal government only. As of 2007-2008, there were five Aboriginal organizations negotiating self-government agreements with Canada and the GNWT: the Gwich’in Tribal Council; the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation; the Deline First Nation; Tulita Yamoria Secretariat; and the Norman Wells Land Corporation. All five groups reached a final land claims agreement.

The Implementation Division was responsible for negotiating implementation plans, and managing and monitoring the implementation of settled land, resource and self-government agreements. The process for negotiating or developing an implementation plan varied depending on the particular interests of the three parties at the negotiation table. Terms of reference are usually developed first to guide the start up of an implementation working group. The working group consists of representatives from the GNWT, Federal government and Aboriginal claimant group and is responsible for identifying all activities and obligations flowing from the agreement-in-principle. After a final agreement and other corollary agreements, including the implementation plan, received Royal Assent in the House of Commons, a formal Implementation Committee is established to oversee, direct and monitor ongoing implementation of the agreement. This committee is comprised of representatives form the GNWT, Canada and Aboriginal claimant group. The Committee is also responsible for reviewing or amending the implementation plan as required. As for 2007-2008, there are three implementation plans being carried out in the NWT: Gwich’in Implementation Plan, Sahtu Implementation Plan and Tlicho Implementation plan. Implementation plans are being negotiated at Deline self-government. Progress reports are published to keep beneficiaries and the public informed. The implementation committee produces annual reports and other information items to report on the status of each plan.

The Intergovernmental Relations Division ensured the interests and aspirations of the residents of the NWT are reflected in the GNWT participation in intergovernmental activities. This division is responsible for managing the Government’s relationships with federal, provincial and territorial governments and with circumpolar countries in all matters of intergovernmental significance. It provides strategic advice on matters pertaining to federal-provincial-territorial relations and in domestic matters that have intergovernmental or government-wide implications. Participation ranged from involvement in national initiatives and policy development, to initiating and developing cross-departmental strategies, to shaping strategies led by other GNWT departments.

The Policy, Legislation and Communications Division developed public and internal policies and legislative proposals for the Department. The division also provides advice to the Minister and Deputy Minister, and developed instructions and mandates for the GNWT’s participation in negotiating land, resource and self-government agreements and implementation plans. This division also provides support to GNWT negotiators, participates in central agency review of legislative proposals and is responsible for the overall Department communications. The Policy and Legislation section of this division developed frameworks (instructions and mandates) for the GNWT in the negotiation of Aboriginal land, resource and self-government agreements and associated implementation plans. Frameworks are based on directions and interests of the GNWT, research and comparative analysis of existing, emerging and settled Aboriginal land, resource and self-government agreements. The Policy section also provided support to the Negotiations and Implementation Divisions during negotiation of agreements, development and negotiation of associated implementation plans, and agreement implementation. The Policy section develops legislation arising from GNWT commitments made in the negotiation of land, resource and self-government agreements. The section was also responsible for maintaining current public and internal policy statements of the Department. Advice, information and assistance is provided to the Minister and Deputy Minister, which includes briefings related to the Legislative Assembly and meetings with federal, provincial and territorial governments, Aboriginal leaders an organizations and for other meetings the Minister or Deputy Minister may attend. The Policy and Legislation Section provides support to the Deputy Ministers’ Committee on Aboriginal Rights, which is chaired by the Deputy Minister of DAAIR. It also participates in the Legislative Initiatives Committee’s review of all legislative initiatives from all GNWT departments. The Communications section was responsible for the Department’s overall communication efforts. It developed, recommended and implemented communication projects, strategies, frameworks and systems within the Department. It also contributed to the fulfillment of GNWT communication and consultation obligations that arise from land, resource and self-government negotiations, implementation negotiations and finalized agreements.

On April 1, 2017, the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations merged with the Department of the Executive to form the Department of the Executive and Indigenous Affairs (EIA).