In general, there are two types of land claims that may direct oil and gas development in Canada: comprehensive claims and specific claims.
Comprehensive claims always involve land, but specific claims are not necessarily land-related. These claims arise in areas of Canada where Aboriginal land rights have not been dealt with by past treaties or through other legal means.
Land and self-government negotiations in the NWT usually involve three groups: the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and one or more Indigenous government organization. Each negotiation is unique and reflects the needs and processes of the parties at the negotiation table.
Land Claims
Current Negotiations
Aboriginal rights negotiations are underway in all regions of the NWT as Aboriginal governments seek to confirm their Aboriginal and treaty rights in the NWT. The GNWT, as a full partner to these negotiations, continues to promote workable and affordable agreements that respect Aboriginal rights.
Concluding and Implementing Land Claim and Self-Government Agreements