Happy 10th anniversary to Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government

The Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government and Governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories this week marked the tenth anniversary of the NWT’s first community-based self government.

Representing 1,300 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.

Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Chief Danny Gaudet stated in a release on the September 1st anniversary: “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.”

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.

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.

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty stated: “Our government is proud to recognize these achievements and remains committed to supporting the continued success of the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government and the people it serves.”

Premier R.J. Simpson congratulated the Déline Got’ine Government and the people of Déline on the important milestone.

He stated: “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.”

The Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government officially began operating on September 1st in 2016:

• It was Canada’s first combined Indigenous-public self-government.
• It combined the former Délı̨nę First Nation Band, the Délı̨nę Land Corporation, and the Charter Community of Délı̨nę into a single unified administration.
• The government exercises authority over community matters including culture, language, land management, education, housing, and local taxation for all residents of Délı̨nę.
• The historic agreement provides a new model of self-governance in the Northwest Territories, bringing decision-making directly to the community.
• September 1 is officially recognized as Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government Day.