New era underway in Deline as community begins self-government

The community of Deline, Northwest Territories has ushered in a new era of their history, assuming self-government responsibilities today as the new Deline Got'ine government takes over.

• IN DEPTH|Deline set to launch historic self-government, 20 years in the making

The Deline Got'inegovernment officially assumed responsibility at midnight local time, when the DelineK'aowed Ke, or main council, had their first meeting.

At the meeting, they passed the government's core laws and first budget, and are expected to be open for business as of 9:00 a.m. local time.

Over time, the governmentwill take jurisdiction over community affairs and local services, including education, health services, and social housing, though they will assume those responsibilities as they build capacity to deliver programs and services.

The Deline Got'ine government is notable in that it is the first Indigenous public community self-government in Canada, meaning that both Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents of the community will be represented and able to participate and vote in elections.

Some positions, such as chief, will be reserved for members of the Deline First Nation.