08/18/2026
Nihtat Annual Assembly Mandates Pursuit of Self-government: For Our Future, Our Way.
Inuvik, NT - August 18, 2026 - The Nihtat Gwich' in Council has taken an important step forward after Nihtat participants voted at their Annual Assembly on August 11 and 12, 2026, in favour of the Council entering into self-government discussions with Canada.
The decision of the Annual Assembly authorizes Nihtat to enter a tripartite negotiation process with Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). The mandate provides an important opportunity for Nihtat Gwich'in to take a greater role in shaping our future, strengthen Nihtat decision-making and build a direct relationship with Canada on matters affecting Nihtat
Gwich' in and our Homeland of Inuvik.
"This is an important moment for our people. Our participants have given us a clear mandate to move forward and begin discussions on self-government. We see self-government as an opportunity to strengthen Nihtat governance, exercise greater responsibility for our own future and create better opportunities for our participants and generations to come, " said Vice President
Chris Smith.
Through the self-government process, Nihtat, Canada and the GNWT will have the opportunity to explore arrangements that reflect the priorities, circumstances and aspirations ofNihtat Gwich'in. The Council is committed to ensuring that Nihtat participants remain at the centre of the process and that their priorities and aspirations continue to guide self-government negotiations.
"We look forward to working with Canada and the GNWT in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect. Self-government provides an opportunity to build on our traditional governance, strengthen Nihtat decision-making and the voice of our participants within our Homeland of Inuvik, while continuing to build strong relationships with Canada, the GNWT, neighbouring Indigenous governments and partners throughout the region, " said President Kelly McLeod.
Nihtat believes strong and effective self-government can go hand-in-hand with strong relationships and economic cooperation. As Nihtat takes greater responsibility for its own future, we will continue working with neighbouring Gwich'in communities and other partners where cooperation creates opportunities and shared benefits.
