NLG Executive Chairperson Kevin McKay ventured north to Inuvik, Northwest Territories earlier this month to participate as a panel presenter at the National Conference on Indigenous Self-government hosted by the Gwich’in Tribal Council on September 10-12, 2013.

First Nations and Inuit leaders and youth delegates from Nunavut, the Yukon, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Quebec were warmly welcomed by the Gwich’in Nation to share their self-governance experiences. 

The Gwich’in Nation, who settled their comprehensive land claims agreement in 1992 are currently in negotiation of a self-government agreement. “The Nisga’a Nation wishes the Gwichin much success because it is true self-government that will unlock the potential opportunities the Gwichin Land Claims Agreement promises” said Chairperson McKay.

Panel presentations over the course of the two days included, Linking Governance to Capacity and Training which Chairperson McKay participated in; Aboriginal Youth in Leadership Positions which Communications Officer Bobby Clark participated in.  Innovative Aboriginal Governance Models; Building Aboriginal Economies on Strong Political Foundations; Youth Leading Positive Change in their Communities; Successes in Aboriginal Education rounded off the remainder of the conference agenda. “The inclusive approach of the conference format was evident in the level of participation by community members”, remarked McKay.  “This will result in a stronger model of self-government for the Gwichin, as it is indeed a collective responsibility.”

The Gwich’in Tribal Council and Nisga’a Lisims Government are both members of the Land Claims Agreement Coalition, along with other First Nations and Inuit organizations across Canada who have modern land claims agreements with Canada.