Preamble

BETWEEN: 

The Committee for Original Peoples’ Entitlement (hereinafter referred to as “COPE”), representing the Inuvialuit of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region 

AND: 

The Government of Canada (hereinafter referred to as “Canada”), represented by the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. 

WHEREAS the Inuvialuit claim an interest in certain lands in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon Territory based on traditional use and occupancy of those lands and seek a land rights settlement in respect thereof; 

AND WHEREAS COPE and Canada have entered into negotiations directed towards a Final Agreement to provide rights, benefits and compensation in exchange for the interest of the Inuvialuit in the Northwest Territories and Yukon Territory, as contemplated by the Federal Government policy statement of August 8, 1973; 

AND WHEREAS it is understood and agreed that this Agreement will be subject to legislative approval of the Parliament of Canada, under which legislation that interest will cease to exist; 

AND WHEREAS the parties have earlier reached an agreement on the principles to be applied in reaching this Agreement, which principles are reflected in the Agreement in Principle signed on October 31, 1978; 

AND WHEREAS the Governments of the Northwest Territories and Yukon Territory have been consulted and have participated in discussions concerning matters affecting them and over which they have jurisdiction; 

AND WHEREAS COPE declares that it has been authorized by the Inuvialuit, after the approval process, to sign this Agreement; 

AND WHEREAS Canada has authorized the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development to sign this Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, COPE AND CANADA AGREE AS FOLLOWS: