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Overview

Work to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is advancing through long‑term, shared implementation between Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

The initial Draft United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Action Plan outlines priority actions to guide implementation over time. The plan reflects years of collaborative work through the Action Plan Committee and identifies near‑term steps, foundational work, and longer‑term reforms.

This public engagement is intended to support transparency and understanding by giving residents an opportunity to review the Draft Action Plan, learn how implementation is structured, and understand how progress will be tracked.

Have Your Say

What this engagement is (and is not)

This engagement is designed primarily at the Inform end of the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation.

You are invited to:

• learn what is proposed in the initial Draft Action Plan;
• understand how implementation will occur over time;
• see how progress will be monitored and reported; and
• submit questions or comments to support clarity and understanding.

This engagement is not intended to renegotiate action items that were developed through government‑to‑government collaboration and consensus. Public input will be used to help identify areas where additional explanation, clarification, or context may be needed as the Action Plan is finalized.

How to participate

Public engagement is open from April 24 to May 21, 2026.

Residents may submit questions or comments by:

• reviewing the initial Draft Action Plan and supporting materials; and
• submitting feedback through the Have Your Say website.

In‑person or online engagement sessions will not be held. All feedback will be accepted through this website.

Background

The Draft Action Plan:

• identifies priority actions across areas such as decision‑making, lands and resources, social and economic well‑being, emergency management, and cultural rights;
• reflects a phased approach, with some actions already underway and others advancing over a longer time horizon; and
• establishes mechanisms for monitoring, public reporting, and future review.

The Action Plan was developed by the Action Plan Committee, which includes representatives from Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, and the GNWT. Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations that participated in developing the action plan include:

• Acho Dene Koe First Nation
• Behdzi Ahda First Nation
• Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government
• Gwich’in Tribal Council
• Inuvialuit Regional Corporation
• K'ahsho Got'ine of Fort Good Hope
• North Slave Métis Alliance
• Northwest Territory Métis Nation
• Tłı̨chǫ Government
• Yellowknives Dene First Nation

Indigenous government and Indigenous organization’s organizations’ participation in the APC is vital to the implementation of the action plan. Any interested Indigenous government or Indigenous organization can become a member of the at any time.

Next steps

Following the close of public engagement on May 21:

• questions and comments will be reviewed to identify key themes and areas where additional clarity is needed;
• a What We Heard Report will be released; and
• the Final Action Plan will be published.

This engagement marks the initial public facing engagement activity connected to the release of the Draft Action Plan. Residents can expect ongoing updates and regular public reporting as actions advance and implementation continues over time.