Implementation Plan for the Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive ...

ANNEX C1. INTRODUCTIONA requirement of the Sahtu Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement is that it be accompanied by anImplementation Plan that describes a communication and information strategy to inform interested partiesof the implementation developments, the content of the plan and the agreement.Communications initiatives surrounding the implementation process must inform target audiences of thekey activities in the implementation process. Direct involvement of the major players in transmittinginformation to their respective clients will contribute to successful implementation of the agreement.2. RESPONSIBILITIESSahtu Tribal CouncilThe Sahtu Tribal Council should play a lead role in ensuring that beneficiaries are made aware of theirrights and obligations under the Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement and that asmooth and equitable implementation of the implementation of the settlement is reached. Acceptance ofthe agreement by Sahtu institutions and their assistance in implementation will depend on a clearunderstanding of the process. Communication of their responsibilities under the agreement to thebeneficiaries is imperative.Government of the Northwest TerritoriesDirect involvement of the Government of the Northwest Territories is also essential to the implementationprocess. The Government of the Northwest Territories will inform its departments and agencies and theiremployees, contractors and agents of their obligations, responsibilities and any new processes under theSahtu Dene and Metis agreement and the Implementation Plan. Where these obligations will affect theSahtu Dene and Metis or third parties, appropriate communication strategies will be developed andimplemented by the Government of the Northwest Territories.Federal GovernmentThe federal government will inform its departments and agencies and their employees, contractors andagents of their obligations, responsibilities and any new processes under the Sahtu Dene and Metisagreement and the Implementation Plan. It will also, along with the Government of the NorthwestTerritories, inform the public. The Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development will play thelead role in informing other federal departments and Members of Parliament and Senators about theSahtu Dene and Metis agreement and government implementation activities. DIAND will developstrategies to inform the non-renewable resource industry about the provisions affecting them.3. TARGET AUDIENCESNorthern PublicCommunication to the public is essential to maintain harmony in the Sahtu settlement area. It is througheffective communications that the concept of fairness and equity of the Sahtu Dene and Metis agreementto all nonparticipants will be reinforced. The public must be given information on how their interests are orare not affected.IndustryAlthough industry will not be involved in the implementation process, it will be directly affected by theprocess and will have to operate within a new environment. Industry representatives will therefore want tobe informed of any actions that will have an impact on them.SAHTU IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 184