28 IMPLEMENTATION

28.1 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

28.1.1
An implementation plan accompanies this agreement for the purpose of explanation but does not form part of it. It has been approved by Canada, the Gwich段n and the Government of the Northwest Territories in order to describe:

1. the obligations and activities required to fulfil this agreement;

2. who is responsible for, and the time frames required to fulfil, the obligations and the activities identified;

3. employment opportunities and training needs for the Gwich段n to participate in the implementation of this agreement;

4. legislative requirements arising from the provisions of this agreement;

5. a communication and information strategy to inform interested parties of the content of the implementation plan and this agreement;

6. a process to facilitate co-ordination and co-operation among Canada, the Gwich段n and the Government of the Northwest Territories to implement the implementation plan and this agreement;

7. a process to determine that the identified obligations and activities have been fulfilled; and

8. the costs of implementing this agreement.

28.2 IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE

28.2.1
Within one month of the date of settlement legislation, an Implementation Committee shall be established for a minimum 10-year period.

28.2.2
The Implementation Committee shall be composed of three senior officials: one representing the Government of Canada designated by the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs; one designated by the Government of the Northwest Territories; and one designated by the Gwich段n Tribal Council.

28.2.3
The Implementation Committee shall operate on a consensus basis and shall:

1. oversee and provide direction to guide the implementation of this agreement;

2. monitor the status of the implementation plan;

3. when it deems necessary, revise the schedule of activities, reallocate resources and amend the implementation plan;

4. attempt to resolve implementation disputes arising between the parties. Unresolved implementation disputes shall be resolved pursuant to arbitration under chapter 6;

5. provide the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, the Government Leader of the Northwest Territories and the Gwich段n Tribal Council with an annual report, which shall be made public, on the implementation of this agreement; and

6. make recommendations for the implementation of this agreement for the period following the initial 10-year period, including the role of the committee.

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