Indigenous Governments

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) recognizes Aboriginal Governments as governments that have negotiated, or are in the process of negotiating, self-government agreements with the GNWT and the Government of Canada.

Regional Aboriginal Governments

Seven regional Aboriginal Governments have been established in the Northwest Territories to date. These are Aboriginal Governments that represent multiple communities.

Akaitcho Territory Government

The Akaitcho Territory Government represents the collective social, political, cultural, environmental and economic interests of its constituent First Nations.

Dehcho First Nations

The Dehcho First Nations represents 10 First Nations and two Métis Locals.

Gwich'in Tribal Council

Established in 1992, the Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC) is an Aboriginal organization that represents Gwich’in Participants in the Mackenzie-Delta of the Northwest Territories and across Canada.

Inuvialuit Regional Corporation

The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation was established with the overall responsibility of managing the affairs of the settlement as outlined in the Inuvialuit Final Agreement (1984).

Northwest Territory Métis Nation

The Northwest Territory Métis Nation is comprised of the indigenous Métis originally from the South Slave in the Northwest Territories.

Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated

The Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated was formed by the seven Sahtu land corporations — four Dene land corporations and three Métis land corporations — on June 23, 1994, with the enactment of the Sahtu Dene and Métis Land Claims Settlement Act.

Tłįchǫ Government

The Tłı̨chǫ Government is the governing authority on Tłı̨chǫ lands and is responsible for managing Tłı̨chǫ lands and resources, managing fish and wildlife harvesting on Tłı̨chǫ lands and education in Tłı̨chǫ language and culture.

Community-based governments

Community-based governments represent exclusive negotiations undertaken by individual communities that seek governing powers that are unique to the interests of their membership. 

Explore pages in: Current GNWT negotiations

Funding for community governments

Find funding programs designed to support NWT community governments.

Indigenous partnerships on housing

There are significant housing needs in the NWT and collaboration between Housing NWT and Indigenous governments is an important step in working to address these issues.

Funding for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Funding is available to support events that commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2026.

Intergovernmental Council

A key feature of the Devolution Agreement is the establishment of an Intergovernmental Council to allow the public and Aboriginal Governments to cooperate and collaborate on matters related to lands and resource management.
Updated: Sep 02, 2026