Lands, Resources, and Environment

Lands, Resources, and Environment

Ɂene Naware, the Department of Lands, Resources, and Environment, is responsible for community lands management, community land use planning, and settlement lands management. It also represents the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government (DGG) when dealing with other governments and management boards on environmental and regulatory matters impacting the Délı̨nę District.

Community Lands

Ɂene Naware is responsible for the lands inside of the community boundary, including land use planning and land management.

Dene Nénę́ Náoweré (Délı̨nę Community Land Use Plan)

The Department is currently finalizing a Community Land Use Plan. The Plan will guide Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government (DGG) decisions about land use and development within the community boundary of Délı̨nę. It will provide direction to all land users, decision-makers, and residents on matters of land use and development.

Land Leasing

Ɂene Naware administers the Community Land Administration Regulations. These are the rules for how land is managed within the community, including how community members can access a lease. Lease issuance requires a decision from the elected leaders of the DGG.

To learn more about what lands are available for lease, or to request a lease application, please contact the Lands Administrator at 867-589-4224 extension 1008 or community.lands.admin@gov.deline.ca.

Districts Lands and Resource Management

District Land Access and Consent

The Department of Lands, Resources, and Environment is the main point of contact for proponents, individuals, or governments who are contemplating any land use activities within the district. This includes proponents engaging in any form of mineral activities, or any individual, company, or government who intends to conduct tourism operations. The Délı̨nę Got’ine Government expects proponents, individuals, or governments to seek free prior and informed consent when land use activities are contemplated within the district or on settlement land.

Please contact the Director of Lands, Resources, and Environment Gina Bayha at 867-589-4224 extension 1201 or gina.bayha@gov.deline.ca if you are planning activities in the Délı̨nę District.

Settlement Lands

DGG owns 13,741 km2 of settlement land with the district and 122.6 km² of settlement land outside of the district, in the Dehcho. Ɂene Naware is the main point of contact for access to settlement land. Approved land uses on settlement land require a lease. Leases on settlement lands are subject to approval by the elected leaders of the DGG.

Sahtú Land Use Plan

The Sahtú Land Use Plan [link to the Sahtú Land Use Plan website] guides land use activities within the Délı̨nę District. The Sahtú Land Use Plan sets out legally binding conformity requirements, including requirements for community engagement. Ɂene Naware is the main point of contact for community engagement requirements under the Sahtú Land Use Plan.

Regulatory Participation

Ɂene Naware deals with other governments, management boards on behalf of the DGG regarding environmental and regulatory issues, including land use permitting, water licensing, environmental assessment and review.

Sahtú K’aowe Stewardship

Ɂene Naware is the lead department supporting the establishment of the Sahtú K’aowe Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area, management of the Tsa Tue Biosphere Reserve designation, and District research and monitoring projects.

Please contact the Director of Lands, Resources, and Environment Gina Bayha at 867-589-4224 extension 1201 or gina.bayha@gov.deline.ca if you would like to learn more about the Sahtú K’aowe Stewardship.