Message from Ɂekw’ahtı̨dǝ́

Established on September 1st, 2016, the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government is the first community-based Self-Governing Indigenous Government in the NWT. DGG authorities are constitutionally protected under two modern treaties, and include management and administration of lands and resources under the Sahtú Dene and Métis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement, and authorities to make laws and deliver programs and services as described in the Délı̨nę Final Self Government Agreement.

The establishment of the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government is a milestone in the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę self-determination journey. That journey includes the ongoing evolution of the relationship between the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government and the governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories.

The name of our community, Délı̨nę, means “where the water flows”, referencing the headwaters of the Great Bear River (Sahtúdé) which drains Great Bear Lake (Sahtú) into the Mackenzie River. The phrase “Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę” means the people of Délı̨nę. Great Bear Lake is the heart of our culture, language, and way of life. Over many years and through various processes, we have worked to protect Great Bear Lake and the surrounding lands to ensure that both the lake and Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę will continue to sustain each other for generations to come.

The Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government exists to serve the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę by protecting, preserving, and developing our culture and language; protecting our lands; providing employment and economic opportunities; and exercising Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę land claim and self-government interests and authorities. Our government is committed to creating opportunities and pathways for our people to continue to thrive as strong, self-reliant individuals, in a caring community, for generations to come.

I welcome your interest in our government, lands, and people, and invite you to explore our website to learn more.

Máhsı,

Danny Gaudet
Ɂek’wahtı̨dǝ