J. Michael Miltenberger

Minister

Environment and Natural Resources

May 11, 2012

Reality of Co-management with Aboriginal Governments

in the NWT: Environmental Stewardship in the 21st Century

Political Reality

in the Northwest Territories• Consensus government – based on traditional

Aboriginal governance• Land claims and self-government agreements• Management authorities• Co-management in unsettled areas

Role of Public Government

• Represent interests of all residents

• Work with Aboriginal governments

• Co-management boards

• Regulatory system

Aboriginal Engagement

• Comprehensive approach to decision-making• Importance to environmental stewardship• Changes to federal environmental review

process• GNWT Aboriginal Engagement Policy

Co-operative Management

• Shared responsibility• Species at Risk (NWT) Act

– Conference of Management Authorities

• Proposed new Wildlife Act

NWT Water Stewardship Strategy

• Multi-party approach• Further refinement of collaborative process• Aboriginal Steering Committee• Blueprint for environmental stewardship

Challenges

• Competing interests – at all levels• Time required to build trust and partnerships• Resource heavy• Determining best methods to proceed

Opportunities

• Common understanding • Access to best scientific, traditional and local

knowledge• Support for environmental stewardship at

community level• Increase local awareness and involvement in

monitoring and research• Ability to leverage other partnerships and

funding

On-going Efforts• Increase partnerships with:

– academic institutions – environmental organizations– industry

• Increase training opportunities for NWT residents

• Northern control over management of land and water resources.