Overview

CIG's Self-Government Branch represents Canada in the negotiations of self-government agreements with Aboriginal groups and with the relevant province or territory.

Self-government agreements set out arrangements for Aboriginal groups to govern their internal affairs and assume greater responsibility and control over the decision making that affects their communities. Self-government agreements address: the structure and accountability of Aboriginal governments, their law-making powers, financial arrangements and their responsibilities for providing programs and services to their members. Self-government enables Aboriginal governments to work in partnership with other governments and the private sector to promote economic development and improve social conditions.

Because Aboriginal groups have different needs, negotiations will not result in a single model of self-government. Self-government arrangements may take many forms based on the diverse historical, cultural, political and economic circumstances of the Aboriginal groups, regions and communities involved.

The Government of Canada recognizes the inherent right of self-government as an existing Aboriginal right within section 35 of the Canadian Constitution. Under the Government of Canada's Inherent Right Policy, self-government arrangements may be negotiated simultaneously with comprehensive land claim agreements. The Government of Canada is prepared, where the other parties agree, to protect certain parts of self-government agreements as treaty rights under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

Responsibilities

• to negotiate practical and workable self-government arrangements with Aboriginal groups and with the relevant province or territory in areas affecting their jurisdiction and interests;

• to ensure that the self-government arrangements set out in treaties will operate in harmony with the laws of other governments and within the Canadian federal system (within the Canadian Constitution and under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms);

• to develop the policy framework to guide self-government negotiations and to manage the federal approval process for negotiation mandates and negotiated agreements;

• under Gathering Strength - Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan, to co-ordinate activities that support the theme of strengthening Aboriginal governance;

• to develop and implement appropriate fiscal policies and practices that complement policies on governance and, in the process, to develop new fiscal relationships with Aboriginal governments that enhance internal accountability and self-sufficiency.

Directorates

• Self-Government Negotiations

• Fiscal Policy

• Self-Government Policy

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