Legislation enacting the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę self-government agreement has received royal assent.
Bill C-27, which formally recognizes the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę as the government of the Sahtu Dene and Métis of Norman Wells, became law on Thursday.
The legislation affirms their inherent right of self-government including the authority to make laws, protect language and culture, deliver programs and services such as education and healthcare, and elect their own leadership.
The agreement provides the basis for new government-to-government relationships between the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę and the Government of Canada, and the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę and the GNWT, Sherry Hodgson, President of Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę Government Inc, said in a press release.
“It is our generation’s legacy to our children and future generations,” Hodgson said.
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From 2025: Excited leaders map out realities of self-government in Norman Wells
Premier RJ Simpson welcomed Canada’s decision to pass the legislation and said collaborative governance is a cornerstone of the GNWT’s mandate.
After 20 years of negotiations, the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę Government (or TGG), Government of Canada and GNWT signed a final agreement on September 18, 2025. A little over a year later, the bill became law.
In a press release celebrating the bill’s passage, Crown-Indigenous relations minister Rebecca Alty congratulated “the leadership, Elders, negotiators, and community members whose dedication and hard work over more than two decades made this milestone achievement possible.”
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The TGG will not govern the Town of Norman Wells, which remains a fully separate entity. However, a provision exists allowing the TGG to replace the town government – and assume its municipal-level responsibilities – if TGG members ever represent 70 percent or more of Norman Wells’ population.
While the town and TGG co-exist, the town will be obliged to consult with the TGG on municipal policies and bylaws. The TGG can “force consultation with the GNWT and GNWT can disallow the offending bylaw” in some circumstances.
“It’s a great feeling and huge challenge that is coming our way,” Hodgson told Cabin Radio last year. “I think the whole thing is going to be a challenge. It’s new to all of us.”
