Wally Schumann Delivers Opening Remarks at the 2nd Annual NWT MAX Awards in 2018

Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Economic Development in Gwich’in Settlement Area

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INUVIK (June 11, 2019) 

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the Gwich’in Tribal
Council (GTC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Economic Development in the Gwich’in Settlement Area (GSA).

The MOU was finalized in Inuvik by the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment and Infrastructure, Wally Schumann on behalf of the GNWT and GTC Grand Chief and President Bobbie Jo Greenland-Morgan.

It sets the stage for the GTC and the GNWT to take a new approach in collaborating to promote economic development in the GSA and enhance benefits from this development for Gwich’in participants and businesses. The MOU on Economic Development replaces a previous MOU on Contracting between the parties that expired in September 2017 and that was extended pending completion of the new MOU, co-developed by the GTC and the GNWT.

With its broader industry-sector approach, today’s MOU sets the stage for both governments to identify and address economic strategies, priorities and investments together; aligning them to support the implementation of economic provisions in the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA).

  • The GNWT and GTC will advance the overall objective of the MOU by:
  • Formalizing a process in which the parties will work together;
  • Improving strategic and program-specific economic collaboration;
  • Supporting the development and implementation of sector-specific economic strategies by the Gwich’in, in line with GNWT strategies and priorities; and
  • Supporting business development opportunities and training in targeted economic sectors; and
  • Identifying ways to support and strengthen the traditional Gwich’in economy in all of its manifestations.

Quotes

“The memorandum of understanding sets the stage for the GNWT and the Gwich’in Tribal Council to align priorities and work together - strategically, collaboratively and effectively. Successes in our territory have come when we work together. Our economy will gain strength as it grows more diverse - and collaboration will always be our most powerful economic tool.

- Wally Schumann, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment and Infrastructure


“The objectives of Chapter 10 – Economic Measures of our modern treaty are to maintain and strengthen the traditional Gwich’in economy and to support Gwich’in economic self-sufficiency. We are excited about the potential of the new MOU with the GNWT to help us achieve expanded and enduring economic development benefits for Gwich’in people and businesses and to maintain and strengthen the traditional Gwich’in economy.”

- Bobbie Jo Greenland-Morgan, Grand Chief and President Gwich’in Tribal Council

Quick facts

  • The Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement was finalized and signed in April 1992 by the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, the Northwest Territories Government Leader, and representatives of the Gwich’in Tribal Council.
  • The Gwich’in Settlement Region encompasses approximately 22,330 square kilometres of land in the Northwest Territories, and 1,554 square kilometres in the Yukon.

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