Since 1995, Deline Elders have had a vision of one organization that has responsibility for governing the community, and that has the funding and powers to make decisions and deliver programs in a way that makes sense for Deline. The self-government agreement makes this vision possible.

Right now, Deline has three main governing organizations: the First Nation (or Band), the Land Corporation and the Charter Community.

Each of these organizations has its own mandate, and each is created by different laws. For example, the First Nation is created by the Indian Act. That Act is a federal law, which Canada can change when it wants. The First Nation looks after the political rights of Status Indians of its members, and delivers some programs and services. Canada decides how bands get funding, how much funding they get and what activities the funding can be used for. These decisions are made based on government policies, not on the First Nation’s needs.

The Charter Community is created under GNWT laws. The GNWT can change its municipal laws when it wants. The GNWT decides on Charter community budgets according to its own rules. The Charter Community delivers local programs and services to everyone in the community like water and sewage. It also makes by-laws about how the community operates.

The Deline Land Corporation is created through the land claim. It is responsible for the land claim rights and assets (lands, buildings, businesses) of beneficiaries.

As a result, Deline has three different elected councils for three organizations that provide programs and services to almost the same group of people. In addition there are many other committees and organizations that also make decisions about programs and services in the community and each has its own plans and rules.

Having so many organizations and councils and committees can sometimes be confusing and does not make it easy for organizations to work together. Often the frustration is increased because the final decisions about some programs and services are made in Yellowknife or Ottawa.

A major benefit of self-government is that all of these different responsibilities, programs and services can be done by one organization, under one set of rules. There will be one election and one council to make decisions. There will be stable funding for five years at a time. This will allow for longer-term budgets, staffing and planning.

Having one government will also make it easier to consult people, get their input and explain how decisions are made. The new government will be set up to make sure it is open and accountable. There will be an Elders’ Council, a Justice Council and a Beneficiaries Board. There will also be a yearly gathering where the DGG reports to and seeks direction from the community and beneficiaries.

The Elders believe that if there is only one government, the community can be governed better and people will work together better. They want to make sure that the Deline Got’ine Government will have more control over decision making in the community. This vision has been supported by the community, and discussed at the various councils and in community meetings and workshops over the years.