10th Anniversary of the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement and est. of the Tłı̨chǫ Government
On August 4th, 2005, the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement came into effect and with it, the Tłı̨chǫ Government was established. It was an historic day for the Tłı̨chǫ. It has been 10 years now since the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement came into effect and time to celebrate our collective achievement.
Grand Chief Eddie Erasmus spoke on August 6, 2015 on behalf of the Chiefs Executive Council, Chief Clifford Daniels, Chief Alfonz Nitsiza, Chief David Wedawin and Chief Johnny Arrowmaker, and the Assembly members of the Tłı̨chǫ Government, remembering a decade of challenges, and successes. Today, we celebrate together and share in the social, political and cultural activities of the Tłı̨chǫ.
"It has been a long journey to where we are today as a self-governing Tłı̨chǫ Nation. As Tłı̨chǫ, we made a decision in 1992 at our 'First Assembly' to pursue a Land Claim and Self-Government agreement with governments, so that their laws and systems would recognize our structure of government, land ownership and our law making authority."
Since 2005 Tłı̨chǫ Government owns, manages and controls over 39,000 square kilometers of lands in the Northwest Territories. Under the Tłı̨chǫ Constitution, we acknowledge our responsibility to serve for all time as custodians of these lands, as Monfwi said, "for as long as this land shall last".
Behchokǫ̀ Chief Clifford Daniels - "This 10th year celebration marks a special occasion as it happens only once in our life time. We celebrate this historic moment as Tłı̨chǫ citizens with our visitors and guests, creating memories for our future. We are very proud of the accomplishments of our Tłı̨chǫ government over the years. We will have many challenges ahead but being united together as one people, the Tłı̨chǫ Government will grow, gain strength and advance in the years to come."
Whatì Chief Alfonz Nitsiza - "This is an exciting time for Tłı̨chǫ people and I believe that Mowfi would be proud of what we have accomplished in only 10 years of Self-Government. Ması̀ cho to the generations that have gone before us, and the lessons that they taught us, we have the opportunity to strengthen the Tłı̨chǫ culture, language and our way of life for the generations to come."
Gamètì Chief David Wedawin - "This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Tłı̨chǫ Government. We invite all people to come celebrate our culture, traditions, and accomplishments. Our Government is honouring its commitment to the Tłı̨chǫ people and its communities by protecting the Tłı̨chǫ way of life."
Wekweètì Chief Johnny Arrowmaker - "Together, in unity we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Tłı̨chǫ Government. We take this opportunity to thank those who helped build our nation. We also continue to work towards our goal ensuring the future of the Tłı̨chǫ people."
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