Whether we call it National Indigenous Peoples Day or National Aboriginal Day, the founding peoples of the Northwest Territories have much to teach the world.
Along with Nunavut, there are no other places in Canada where Indigenous people have put themselves in the front seat to determine a path that best represents their aspirations.
When the Berger Inquiry began in 1974 to examine the ramifications of the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline project, there were no indigenous governments, only token representation in the territorial government, and barely any recognition in media and mainstream culture.
It was during the inquiry the Indigenous voices began to be heard and assert themselves, first through the Indian Brotherhood, then the Dene Nation. George Manuel, then president of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, called the subsequent report, which insisted land claims be settled before pipeline construction, "the best statement on Native rights since the Europeans came to Canada."
1979, the first territorial election was held that put NWT residents in charge. The majority elected had an Indigenous background and have ever since.
Since the inquiry, most land claims in the territory have been settled and a number of self-government agreements have come into effect.
After negotiations began with the Canadian government in 1975, comprehensive land claim agreements have been settled with the Inuvialuit, Tlicho, Gwich’in and Sahtu Dene and Metis to settle outstanding obligations under Treaties 8 and 11.
In August of 2003, representatives of the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council, the GNWT and the Government of Canada signed the first combined land claim and self-government agreement of its kind in the territory – the Tlicho Agreement. In 2015 the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Deline completed and passed its self-government agreement with the territorial government and the government of Canada.
Aside from these important land claim and self-government negotiations there have been leaps and bounds in other areas as well. Indigenous history, culture, and languages, to some degree, are now being taught in the classroom.
The 2011 census tells us 5,400 people had learned an Indigenous language as their mother tongue. Statistics tell us this numbers is in decline although Indigenous people in the territory have steadily worked toward language revitalization through programs such as the University of Victoria's Aboriginal Language Revitalization program, immersive kindergarten and the Tlicho Imbe Program, which teaches traditional activities in the Tlicho language just to name a few.
There are still many challenges. Gradation and employment rates remain low and many communities still struggle with the fallout from colonialism and residential schools.
But Indigenous people in the Northwest Territories are now in a position to determine their own futures and come up with their own solutions to pressing problems.
With tradition-based on-the-land programs for youth, programs for health and wellness such as the traditional healing centre in Yellowknife, the Indigenous nursing program at Aurora Campus in Inuvik, a picture is starting to emerge of that self-determination.
And so, we celebrate. To the next 40 years – we look forward to seeing what positive changes lay ahead for the people of our territory.
Happy Aboriginal Day!