Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement facts for kids
The Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement is an important agreement between the Government of Canada and the Dene and Métis people of the Sahtu area in the Northwest Territories. This agreement is a type of land claim that helps define rights and responsibilities.
It was signed on September 6, 1993, in Tulita (which used to be called Fort Norman). The agreement officially started on June 23, 1994. This agreement is considered a modern treaty, and it is protected by Section 35 of the Constitution of Canada. This means it is a very important legal document.
What the Agreement Covers
This agreement recognizes that the Sahtu Dene and Metis people own a large area of land. This land is about 41,437 square kilometers in the Mackenzie River Valley. That's a huge area, bigger than many countries!
Land and Resources
The agreement also gives the Sahtu Dene and Metis people ownership of the resources found underground. This includes mineral rights for about 1,813 square kilometers of land. This means they have a say in how minerals and other resources under the ground are used.
The Government of Canada also agreed to talk about self-government with each of the five Sahtu communities. These communities are Colville Lake, Fort Good Hope, Tulita, Deline, and Norman Wells. Self-government means these communities can make more of their own decisions about how they live and are governed.
Financial Support
As part of the agreement, the Sahtu Dene and Metis received a payment of $75 million. This money was paid over 15 years and was tax-free. They also get a share of the money made from resources developed in the Mackenzie Valley each year. This includes a share of the money from oil and gas found in Norman Wells.
The agreement also has special rules about oil production that started in 1944. These rules are found in Chapter 9 of the agreement and relate to the Norman Wells Proven Area Agreement.
Hunting and Fishing Rights
The Sahtu Dene and Metis people have special rights to hunt, fish, and trap in a very large area. This area covers about 280,238 square kilometers and includes Great Bear Lake. These rights are very important for their traditional way of life.
