25 HERITAGE RESOURCES

25.1.1
In this chapter,

“Gwich’in heritage resources” means:

1. archaeological and historic places and sites and burial sites;

2. artifacts and objects of historical, cultural or religious significance; and

3. records;

which relate to the history and culture of the Gwich’in.

25.1.2
Gwich’in heritage resources provide a record of Gwich’in use and occupancy of the settlement area through time and are of spiritual, cultural, religious and educational significance to the Gwich’in.

25.1.3
The Gwich’in shall be actively involved in the conservation and management of Gwich’in heritage resources, consistent with the maintenance of the integrity of publie archives and national and territorial heritage resources collections.

25.1.4
Heritage resource management decisions and policies shall take into account Gwich’in cultural values in relation to the use and protection of Gwich’in heritage resources.

25.1.5
The Gwich’in Tribal Coűncil shall be consulted in the formulation of government policy and legislation on Gwich’in heritage resources in the Mackenzie Valley.

25.1.6
The Gwich’in shall have an opportunity to be represented on any boards, agencies or committees established in the Mackenzie Valley by government to administer or protect Gwich’in heritage resources. The Gwich’in Tribal Council shall be consulted with respect to the implementation of this provision prior to the establishment of any such board, agency or committee.

25.1.7
As part of the review of land use permit applications, applications shall be forwarded to the Gwich’in Tribal Council and the appropriate government agency for their advice respecting the presence of heritage resources on the lands included in the application and any conditions to be attached to the land use permit. That advice shall be considered by the Land and Water Board in reaching its decision on the application.

25.1.8
Gwich’in historic, archaeological and burial sites in the Northwest Territories shall be protected and preserved pursuant to legislation. The Gwich’in shall provide to government a list of sites of interest to the Gwich’in.

25.1.9
Archaeological site permits or historie resource permits issued by government in respect of Gwich’in heritage resources pursuant to legislation, shall specify procedures to be followed by the permit holder including:

1. plans and methods for site protection or restoration, where applicable;

2. consultation with the local Gwich’in community or communities;

3. disposition of materials extracted; and

4. submission of a technical and a non-technical report on the work completed.

25.1.10
The Gwich’in shall have preference in being hired at public sites, museums, heritage resource projects, archaeological works and similar public facilities and projects in the settlement area related to Gwich’in heritage resources, in a manner to be set out in the protected area agreement or, where there is no protected area agreement, in the management or work plans for the public sites, museums, projects, facilities and works referred to in this chapter. The Gwich’in Tribal Council shall be consulted in the development of such plans.

25.1.11
In appropriate cases, artifacts and records relating to Gwich’in heritage which have been removed from the settlement area should be returned to the settlement area or the Northwest Territories for the benefit, study and enjoyment of the Gwich’in and all other residents of the Northwest Territories. Government and the Gwich’in agree to work together towards the attainment of this objective provided that appropriate facilities and expertise exist in the settlement area for the proper maintenance and exhibition of such artifacts and records and consistent with the maintenance of the integrity of public archives and national and territorial heritage collections. Gwich’in heritage resources may be housed and exhibited in appropriate aboriginal facilities as well as in other public institutions.

25.1.12
The Gwich’in have traditionally referred to certain lakes, rivers, mountains and other geographic features and locations in the settlement area by traditional or aboriginal names. Upon request of the Gwich’in, the official name of such a place shall be reviewed and the traditional Gwich’in name may be recognized in accordance with the applicable government procedures and policies including the toponymie policy of the Government of the Northwest Territories. The Gwich’in Tribal Council shall be consulted on any proposed change of place name within the settlement area.

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