09/29/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
NIHTAT COMMUNITY SELF-GOVERNMENT MANDATE AND FUTURE ENGAGEMENT
At the 2026 Nihtat Gwich’in Annual Assembly, Nihtat Gwich’in Participants provided their Council with a clear mandate to pursue self-government negotiations with Canada. This mandate comes directly from the Participants and is grounded in the self-government framework established under the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (“GCLCA”).
Our Participants have directed us to pursue self-government for the Nihtat Gwich’in at the community level.This direction is also consistent with Gwich’in Tribal Council Resolution 002-2026, which supports Designated Gwich’in Organizations pursuing community-level self-government negotiations.
The Relationship Is Changing
This mandate marks an important step in the future governance of the Nihtat Gwich’in and in our relationships with governments, Gwich’in institutions, industry and other partners. As the NGC advances this mandate, parties should not assume that historical practices, relationships or arrangements concerning the Nihtat Gwich’in will simply continue unchanged.
When decisions affect the Nihtat Gwich’in, our Homeland or our future, the Nihtat Gwich’in Council (NGC) expects direct and meaningful engagement. An agreement or arrangement with another organization must not be presumed to constitute the agreement, consent, participation or acceptance from the NGC, especially if the NGC has not been directly involved.
Building Our Future
The NGC supports responsible development, investment and economic growth. We want Inuvik and the Western Arctic to prosper, and we welcome governments, industry and partners who want to build respectful, long-term relationships with the Nihtat Gwich’in.
We remain committed to collaboration and responsible development. At the same time, those relationships must evolve alongside Nihtat and respect the mandate given to us by our people.
Our message is clear, when decisions affect our people, our Homeland and our future, Nihtat expects to be at the table.
