Gwich'in Tribal Council expected to approve self-government agreement-in-principle

The Gwich'in Nation has moved closer to governing their own affairs as its leaders prepare to sign a self-government agreement in principle, its land claim organization announced late Monday.

This week, the Gwich'in Tribal Council board of directors are expected to approve a self-government agreementinprinciple, the tribal council said in a news release.

"Self-government will give participants more control over the decisions that affect them every day, such as how government money is spent in their communities and how local programs and services are developed and delivered," the release said.

The agreement will outline powers for regional Gwich'in government and Gwich'in community governments.

In July, Inuvialuit leaders signed their agreement in principle, which outlined a range of powers from education to housing the Inuit group could assume.

Once the agreement in principle is approved by the Gwich'in Tribal Council, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Canada, a final agreement will be negotiated.

"All eligible Gwich'in participants" will vote on the final agreement, the release said.