JUNE 23, 1994

EFFECTIVE DATE OF SAHTU DENE & MÉTIS COMPREHENSIVE LAND CLAIM AGREEMENT 

Signed in September 1993, the agreement—a treaty under Section 35 of the Constitution of Canada—resolved the Sahtu Dene and Métis claims to the Sahtu area in Canada’s Northwest Territories.  It recognizes Sahtu Dene and Métis ownership of over 40,000 km² of land in the Mackenzie River Valley including some subsurface or mineral rights.  Canada also agreed to negotiate self-government agreements separately with the 5 Sahtu communities.  The Sahtu Dene and Métis received a tax-free payment of $75 million over a 15-year period, as well as a share of annual resource revenues from development in the Mackenzie Valley, and from oil and gas royalties.  Moreover, the Sahtu Dene Council must be consulted before lands are opened for oil or gas exploration, development, or mineral exploration requiring a land use permit or water licence.  Finally, the Sahtu Dene and Métis maintain exclusive right to trap, and right to hunt and fish in a 280,238 km² area which includes Great Bear Lake.

Source:  “Sahtu Dene & Métis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement,” Facts on Land and Self-government, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.  Retrieved 5/18/2020, http://publications.gc.ca/collections/Collection/R34-9-15-2000E.pdf
Photo:  Padraic Ryan, 11/11/2007.  Aboriginal War Veterans Monument, Ottawa, Canada.  Permissive Use.