Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Self-Government Agreement

1.0 Definitions

1.1 In this Agreement:

"Act" includes ordinance;

"Chief and Council" has the same meaning as in the Constitution;

"Citizen" means a citizen of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation as determined by the Constitution;

"Constitution" means the constitution of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, in effect on the Effective Date, as amended from time to time;

"Consult" or "Consultation" means to provide,

1. to the party to be consulted, notice of a matter to be decided in sufficient form and detail to allow that party to prepare its views on the matter,
2. a reasonable period of time in which the party to be consulted may prepare its views on the matter, and an opportunity to present such views to the party obliged to consult, and
3. full and fair consideration by the party obliged to consult of any views presented;

"Council for Yukon Indians" includes any successor to the Council for Yukon Indians and, in the absence of a successor, the Yukon First Nations;

"Effective Date" means the date on which this Agreement is brought into effect by Self-Government Legislation;

"Emergency" includes apprehended, imminent or actual danger to life, health, safety, or the environment;

"Final Agreement" means the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Final Agreement between the Government of Canada, the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and the Government of the Yukon, initialled by the negotiators for the Parties on the 31st day of May, 1992;

"Government" means Canada or the Yukon, or both, depending upon which government or governments have responsibility, from time to time, for the matter in question;

"Law" includes common law;

"Laws of General Application" means laws of general application as defined by common law, but does not include laws enacted by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation;

"Legislative Assembly" means the Council of the Yukon Territory as defined in the Yukon Act. R.S.C. 1985, c. Y-2;

"Legislation" includes Acts, Regulations, orders-in-council and bylaws;

"Minister" means the Minister or Ministers of Government charged by Legislation with the responsibility, from time to time, for the exercise of powers in relation to the matter in question;

"Regulation" includes a regulation or any instrument made in the execution of a power or authority conferred by an Act, but does not include laws enacted by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation;

"Self-Government Legislation" means the Legislation which brings this Agreement into effect;

"Settlement Agreement" has the same meaning as in the Final Agreement;

"Settlement Corporation" means a corporation as described in 20.4.2 of the Final Agreement, created by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation alone or together with one or more Yukon First Nations;

"Settlement Land" means those lands identified in the Final Agreement as Settlement Land for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation;

"Settlement Legislation" has the same meaning as in the Final Agreement;

"Traditional Territory" means the geographic area within the Yukon identified as the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Traditional Territory on the maps referred to in 2.9.0 of the Final Agreement;

"Umbrella Final Agreement" means the Comprehensive Land Claim Umbrella Final Agreement between the Government of Canada, the Council for Yukon Indians and the Government of the Yukon, initialled by the negotiators for the parties to that Agreement on the 30th day of May, 1992;

"Yukon First Nation" means one of the following,

Carcross/Tagish First Nation,
Champagne and Aishihik First Nations.
Dawson First Nation,
Kluane First Nation.
Kwanlin Dun First Nation,
Liard First Nation,
Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation,
First Nation of Na'cho N'y'ak Dun,
Ross River Dena Council,
Selkirk First Nation,
Ta'an Kwach'an Council,
Teslin Tlingit Council,
Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, or
White River First Nation;

"Yukon First Nations" means all of the Yukon First Nations defined as a Yukon First Nation; and

"Yukon Indian People" means people enrolled under one of the Yukon First Nation Final Agreements in accordance with the criteria established in Chapter 3 of the Umbrella Final Agreement;

"Yukon Law of General Application" means a law of General Application enacted pursuant to the Yukon Act. R.S.C. 1985, c. Y- 2.

2.0 Principles

2.1 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has traditional decision-making structures and desires to maintain these traditional structures integrated with contemporary forms of government.

2.2 The Parties are committed to promoting opportunities for the well- being of Citizens equal to those of other Canadians and to providing essential public services of reasonable quality to all Citizens.

3.0 General Provisions

3.1 This Agreement shall not affect any aboriginal claim, right, title or interest of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation or of its Citizens.

3.2 This Agreement shall not affect the identity of Citizens as aboriginal people of Canada.

3.3 This Agreement shall not affect the ability of the aboriginal people of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to exercise, or benefit from, any existing or future constitutional rights for aboriginal people that may be applicable to them.

3.4 Unless otherwise provided pursuant to this Agreement or in a law enacted by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, this Agreement shall not affect the ability of Citizens to participate in and benefit from Government programs for status Indians, non-status Indians or native people, as the case may be. Benefits under such programs shall be determined by the general criteria for such programs established from time to time.

3.5 Except for the purpose of determining which Citizens are "Indians" within the meaning of the Indian Act. R.S.C. 1985, c. I-5, the Indian Act. R.S.C. 1985, c.I-5, does not apply to Citizens, the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation or Settlement Land.

3.6 This Agreement shall not:

3.6.1 affect the rights of Citizens as Canadian citizens; and

3.6.2 unless otherwise provided pursuant to this Agreement or in a law enacted by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, affect the entitlement of Citizens to all of the benefits, services, and protections of other Canadian citizens applicable from time to time.

3.7 Government may determine, from time to time, how and by whom any power or authority of Government set out in this Agreement shall be exercised, other than the power to consent to an amendment pursuant to 6.2.

4.0 Ratification

4.1 Ratification of this Agreement shall be sought by the Parties and shall be ratified by each of the Parties in the following manner:

4.1.1 by Canada, by the Governor in Council;

4.1.2 by the Yukon, by the Commissioner in Executive Council; and

4.1.3 by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, by the process set out in Schedule A of this Agreement.

5.0 Self-Government Legislation

5.1 Prior to ratification of this Agreement, Government shall negotiate, with the Council for Yukon Indians, guidelines for drafting Self- Government Legislation that shall, among other things, take into account the provisions of this Agreement.

Government shall Consult the Council for Yukon Indians during the drafting of Self-Government Legislation.

5.2 Government shall Consult the affected Yukon First Nations during the drafting of any subsequent amendments to Self-Government Legislation.

6.0 Amendment and Review

6.1 This Agreement may only be amended with the consent of the Parties.

6.2 Consent to any amendment pursuant to 6.1 may only be given on the part of:

6.2.1 Canada, by the Governor in Council;

6.2.2 the Yukon, by the Commissioner in Executive Council; and

6.2.3 the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, by the Chief and Council.

6.3 Where Government has concluded a self-government agreement with another Yukon First Nation which includes provisions more favourable than those in this Agreement, and where it would be practical to include those provisions in this Agreement, Government, at the request of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, shall negotiate with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation with a view to amending this Agreement to incorporate provisions no less favourable than those in the other self-government agreement.

6.4 A dispute arising from negotiations described in 6.3 may be referred by any Party to dispute resolution pursuant to 26.3.0 of the Final Agreement.

6.4.1 In any dispute arising pursuant to 6.3 an arbitrator shall have the authority set out in 26.7.3 of the Final Agreement.

6.5 The Parties shall make amendments to this Agreement which are required to give effect to orders or decisions of an arbitrator pursuant to 6.4.

6.6 Unless the Parties otherwise agree, the Parties shall review this Agreement within five years of the Effective Date for the purpose of determining whether:

6.6.1 other self-government agreements in Canada have more effectively incorporated self-government provisions respecting any matters considered in this Agreement;

6.6.2 other self-government agreements in Canada have more effectively incorporated implementation or financial transfer agreements;

6.6.3 this Agreement has been implemented in accordance with the implementation plan;

6.6.4 the negotiated transfer of programs, responsibilities and resources pursuant to this Agreement has been successful; and

6.6.5 this Agreement should be amended in accordance with 6.1 and 6.2 to reflect the outcome of the review.

7.0 Remedies

7.1 Neither Government nor the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall have a claim or a cause of action in the event any provision of this Agreement or of Self-Government Legislation is found by a court of competent Jurisdiction to be invalid.

7.2 Neither Government nor the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall challenge the validity of any provision of this Agreement or of Self- Government Legislation.

7.3 If any provision of this Agreement is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the Parties shall make best efforts to amend this Agreement to remedy the invalidity or replace the invalid provision.

7.4 If any provision of Self-Government Legislation is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid. Government shall make best efforts to amend the Self-Government Legislation to remedy the invalidity or replace the invalid provision.

8.0 Interpretation and Application of Law

8.1 Subject to 8.1.1, where there is any inconsistency or conflict between the provisions of federal Self-Government Legislation and any other federal Legislation, the federal Self-Government Legislation shall prevail to the extent of the inconsistency or conflict.

8.1.1 Where there is any inconsistency or conflict between the provisions of federal Self-Government Legislation and the Final Agreement or Settlement Legislation, the Final Agreement or Settlement Legislation shall prevail to the extent of the inconsistency or conflict.

8.2 Subject to 8.2.1, where there is any inconsistency or conflict between the provisions of Yukon Self-Government Legislation and any other Yukon Legislation, the Yukon Self-Government Legislation shall prevail to the extent of the inconsistency or conflict.

8.2.1 Where there is any inconsistency or conflict between the provisions of Yukon Self-Government Legislation and the Final Agreement or Settlement Legislation, the Final Agreement or Settlement Legislation shall prevail to the extent of the inconsistency or conflict.

8.3 This Agreement is subject to the Final Agreement, and in the event of any inconsistency or conflict, the Final Agreement shall prevail to the extent of the inconsistency or conflict.

8.4 Common law conflict of laws principles shall apply where a conflict of laws issue arises unless:

8.4.1 in the case of a conflict of laws issue arising between a law of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and a law of another Yukon First Nation, the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and the other Yukon First Nation have otherwise agreed; or

8.4.2 in the case of a conflict of laws issue arising between a law of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and a Law of General Application, the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and Government have otherwise agreed.

8.5 Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, the exercise of powers by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation pursuant to this Agreement shall not confer any duties, obligations or responsibilities on Government.

8.6 This Agreement shall be interpreted according to the Interpretation Act. R.S.C. 1985, c. I-21, with such modifications as the circumstances require.

8.7 The preamble and the principles in this Agreement are statements of the intentions of the Parties and shall only be used to assist in the interpretation of doubtful or ambiguous expressions in this Agreement.

8.8 Capitalized words or phrases shall have the meaning as defined in this Agreement.

8.9 Any reference in this Agreement to Legislation, an Act or a provision of an Act includes:

8.9.1 that Legislation. Act or provision of an Act, and any Regulations made thereunder, as amended from time to time; and

8.9.2 any successor Legislation, Act or provision of an Act.

8.10 Successor Legislation includes Yukon Legislation which replaces federal Legislation as a consequence of devolution of authority or responsibility from Canada to the Yukon.

8.11 The Supreme Court of the Yukon shall have jurisdiction in respect of any action or proceeding arising out of this Agreement or Self- Government Legislation.

8.12 Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to limit the jurisdiction of the Federal Court of Canada as set forth in the Federal Court Act. R.S.C. 1985, c. F-7.

9.0 Legal Status of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation

9.1 Upon the Effective Date, the Indian Act. R.S.C. 1985, c. I-5, Vuntut Gwitchin Tribal Band shall cease to exist and its rights, titles, interests, assets, obligations and liabilities, including those of its band council, shall vest in the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

9.2 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation is a legal entity and has the capacity, rights, powers and privileges of a natural person and, without restricting the generality of the foregoing, may:

9.2.1 enter into contracts or agreements;

9.2.2 acquire and hold property or any interest therein, sell or otherwise dispose of property or any interest therein;

9.2.3 raise, invest, expend and borrow money;

9.2.4 sue or be sued;

9.2.5 form corporations or other legal entities; and

9.2.6 do such other things as may be conducive to the exercise of its rights, powers and privileges.

9.3 The act of acquiring or the holding of any rights, liabilities or obligations by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation or by any entity described in 9.2.5, shall not be construed to affect any aboriginal right, title or interest of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, its Citizens or their heirs, descendants or successors.

10.0 Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Constitution

10.1 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Constitution shall:

10.1.1 contain the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation citizenship code;

10.1.2 establish governing bodies and provide for their powers, duties, composition, membership and procedures;

10.1.3 provide for a system of reporting, which may include audits, through which the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation government shall be financially accountable to its Citizens;

10.1.4 recognize and protect the rights and freedoms of Citizens;

10.1.5 provide for the challenging of the validity of laws enacted by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and for the quashing of invalid laws;

10.1.6 provide for amending the Constitution by the Citizens; and

10.1.7 be consistent with this Agreement.

10.2 The Constitution may provide for any other matters relating to the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation government or to the governing of Settlement Land, or of persons on Settlement Land.

10.3 The citizenship code established in the Constitution shall enable all persons enrolled under the Final Agreement to be Citizens.

11.0 Transitional Provisions

11.1 The band council of the Indian Act. R.S.C. 1985, c. I-5, Old Crow Indian Band that is in office on the Effective Date shall be deemed to be the governing body of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation until replaced in accordance with the Constitution.

11.2 Any monies held by Canada for the use and benefit of the Indian Act. R.S.C. 1985, c. I-5, Old Crow Indian Band shall be transferred to the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, as soon as practicable after the Effective Date.

12.0 Delegation

12.1 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation may delegate any of its powers, including legislative powers, to:

12.1.1 a public body or official established by a law of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation;

12.1.2 Government, including a department, agency or official of Government;

12.1.3 a public body performing a function of government in Canada, including another Yukon First Nation;

12.1.4 a municipality, school board, local body, or legal entity established by Yukon Law;

12.1.5 a tribal council;

12.1.6 the Council for Yukon Indians; or

12.1.7 any legal entity in Canada.

12.2 Any delegation under paragraphs 12.1.2 to 12.1.7 shall be made by written agreement with the delegate.

12.3 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has the capacity to enter into agreements to receive powers, including legislative powers, by delegation.

13.0 Legislative Powers

13.1 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall have the exclusive power to enact laws in relation to the following matters:

13.1.1 administration of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation affairs and operation and internal management of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation;

13.1.2 management and administration of rights or benefits which are realized pursuant to the Final Agreement by persons enrolled under the Final Agreement, and which are to be controlled by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation; and

13.1.3 matters ancillary to the foregoing.

13.2 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall have the power to enact laws in relation to the following matters in the Yukon:

13.2.1 provision of programs and services for Citizens in relation to their spiritual and cultural beliefs and practices;

13.2.2 provision of programs and services for Citizens in relation to their aboriginal languages;

13.2.3 provision of health care and services to Citizens, except licensing and regulation of facility-based services off Settlement Land;

13.2.4 provision of social and welfare services to Citizens, except licensing and regulation of facility-based services off Settlement Land;

13.2.5 provision of training programs for Citizens, subject to Government certification requirements where applicable;

13.2.6 adoption by and of Citizens;

13.2.7 guardianship, custody, care and placement of Vuntut Gwitchin children, except licensing and regulation of facility-based services off Settlement Land;

13.2.8 provision of education programs and services for Citizens choosing to participate, except licensing and regulation of facility-based services off Settlement Land;

13.2.9 inheritance, wills, intestacy and administration of estates of Citizens, including rights and interests in Settlement Land;

13.2.10 procedures consistent with the principles of natural justice for determining the mental competency or ability of Citizens, including administration of the rights and interests of those found incapable of responsibility for their own affairs;

13.2.11 provision of services to Citizens for resolution of disputes outside the courts;

13.2.12 solemnization of marriage of Citizens;

13.2.13 licences in respect of matters enumerated in 13.1, 13.2 and 13.3 in order to raise revenue for Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation purposes;

13.2.14 matters necessary to enable the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to fulfill its responsibilities under the Final Agreement or this Agreement; and

13.2.15 matters ancillary to the foregoing.

13.3 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall have the power to enact laws of a local or private nature on Settlement Land in relation to the following matters:

13.3.1 use, management, administration, control and protection of Settlement Land;

13.3.2 allocation or disposition of rights and interests in and to Settlement Land, including expropriation by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation for Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation purposes;

13.3.3 use, management, administration and protection of natural resources under the ownership, control or jurisdiction of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation;

13.3.4 gathering, hunting, trapping or fishing and the protection of fish, wildlife and habitat;

13.3.5 control or prohibition of the erection and placement of posters, advertising signs, and billboards;

13.3.6 licensing and regulation of any person or entity carrying on any business, trade, profession, or other occupation;

13.3.7 control or prohibition of public games, sports, races, athletic contests and other amusements;

13.3.8 control of the construction, maintenance, repair and demolition of buildings or other structures;

13.3.9 prevention of overcrowding of residences or other buildings or structures;

13.3.10 control of the sanitary condition of buildings or property;

13.3.11 planning, zoning and land development;

13.3.12 curfews, prevention of disorderly conduct and control or prohibition of nuisances;

13.3.13 control or prohibition of the operation and use of vehicles;

13.3.14 control or prohibition of the transport, sale, exchange, manufacture, supply, possession or consumption of intoxicants;

13.3.15 establishment, maintenance, provision, operation or regulation of local services and facilities;

13.3.16 caring and keeping of livestock, poultry, pets and other birds and animals, and impoundment and disposal of any bird or animal maltreated or improperly at-large, but the caring and keeping of livestock does not include game farming or game ranching;

13.3.17 administration of justice;

13.3.18 control or prohibition of any actions, activities or undertakings that constitute, or may constitute, a threat to public order, peace or safety;

13.3.19 control or prohibition of any activities, conditions or undertakings that constitute, or may constitute, a danger to public health;

13.3.20 control or prevention of pollution and protection of the environment;

13.3.21 control or prohibition of the possession or use of firearms, other weapons and explosives;

13.3.22 control or prohibition of the transport of dangerous substances; and

13.3.23 matters coming within the good government of Citizens on Settlement Land.

13.4.0 Emergency Powers

13.4.1 Off Settlement Land, in relation to those matters enumerated in 13.2, in any situation that poses an Emergency to a Citizen, Government may exercise power conferred by Laws of General Application to relieve the Emergency, notwithstanding that laws enacted by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation may apply to the Emergency.

13.4.2 A person acting pursuant to 13.4.1 shall, as soon as practicable after determining that a person in an Emergency is a Citizen, notify the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation of the action taken and transfer the matter to the responsible Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation authority, at which time the authority of the Government to act pursuant to 13.4.1 shall cease.

13.4.3 A person acting pursuant to 13.4.1 is not liable for any act done in good faith in the reasonable belief that the act was necessary to relieve an Emergency.

13.4.4 On Settlement Land, in relation to those matters enumerated in 13.2. in any situation that poses an Emergency to a person who is not a Citizen, the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation may exercise power conferred by laws enacted by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to relieve the Emergency, notwithstanding that Laws of General Application may apply to the Emergency.

13.4.5 A person acting pursuant to 13.4.4 shall, as soon as practicable, after determining that a person in an Emergency is not a Citizen, notify Government or where the person in an Emergency is a citizen of another Yukon First Nation, that Yukon First Nation, of the action taken and transfer the matter to the responsible authority, at which time the authority of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to act pursuant to 13.4.4 shall cease.

13.4.6 A person acting pursuant to 13.4.4 is not liable for any act done in good faith in the reasonable belief that the act was necessary to relieve an Emergency.

13.4.7 Notwithstanding 13.5.0, in relation to powers enumerated in 13.3, Laws of General Application shall apply with respect to an Emergency arising on Settlement Land which has or is likely to have an effect off Settlement Land.

13.5.0 Laws of General Application

13.5.1 Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, all laws of General Application shall continue to apply to the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, its Citizens and Settlement Land.

13.5.2 Canada and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall enter into negotiations with a view to concluding, as soon as practicable, a separate agreement or an amendment of this Agreement which will identify the areas in which laws of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall prevail over federal Laws of General Application to the extent of any inconsistency or conflict.

13.5.2.1 Canada shall Consult with the Yukon prior to concluding the negotiations described in 13.5.2.

13.5.2.2 Clause 13.5.2 shall not affect the status of the Yukon as a party to the negotiations or agreements referred to in 13.6.0 or 17.0.

13.5.3 Except as provided in 14.0, a Yukon Law of General Application shall be inoperative to the extent that it provides for any matter for which provision is made in a law enacted by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

13.5.4 Where the Yukon reasonably foresees that a Yukon Law of General Application which it intends to enact may have an impact on a law enacted by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, the Yukon shall Consult with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation before introducing the Legislation in the Legislative Assembly.

13.5.5 Where the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation reasonably foresees that a law which it intends to enact may have an impact on a Yukon Law of General Application, the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall Consult with the Yukon before enacting the law.

13.5.6 Where the Commissioner in Executive Council is of the opinion that a law enacted by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has rendered a Yukon Law of General Application partially inoperative and that it would unreasonably alter the character of a Yukon Law of General Application or that it would make it unduly difficult to administer that Yukon Law of General Application in relation to the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Citizens or Settlement Land, the Commissioner in Executive Council may declare that the Yukon Law of General Application ceases to apply in whole or in part to the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Citizens or Settlement Land.

13.5.7 Prior to making a declaration pursuant to 13.5.6, the Yukon shall:

13.5.7.1 Consult with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and identify solutions, including any amendments to Yukon Legislation, that the Yukon considers would meet the objectives of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation; and

13.5.7.2 After Consultation pursuant to 13.5.7.1, where the Yukon and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation agree that the Yukon Law of General Application should be amended, the Yukon shall propose such amendment to the Legislative Assembly within a reasonable period of time.

13.6.0 Administration of Justice

13.6.1 The Parties shall enter into negotiations with a view to concluding an agreement in respect of the administration of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation justice provided for in 13.3.17.

13.6.2 Negotiations respecting the administration of justice shall deal with such matters as adjudication, civil remedies, punitive sanctions including fine, penalty and imprisonment for enforcing any law of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, prosecution, corrections, law enforcement, the relation of any Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation courts to other courts and any other matter related to aboriginal justice to which the Parties agree.

13.6.3 Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement, the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall not exercise its power pursuant to 13.3.17 until the expiry of the time described in 13.6.6, unless an agreement is reached by the Parties pursuant to 13.6.1 and 13.6.2.

13.6.4 Until the expiry of the time described in 13.6.6 or an agreement is entered into pursuant to 13.6.1 and 13.6.2:

13.6.4.1 the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall have the power to establish penalties of fines up to $5,000 and imprisonment to a maximum of six months for the violation of a law enacted by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation;

13.6.4.2 the Supreme Court of the Yukon Territory, the Territorial Court of Yukon, and the Justice of the Peace Court shall have jurisdiction throughout the Yukon to adjudicate in respect of laws enacted by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation in accordance with the jurisdiction designated to those courts by Yukon Law except that any offence created under a law enacted by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall be within the exclusive original jurisdiction of the Territorial Court of the Yukon;

13.6.4.3 any offence created under a law enacted by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall be prosecuted as an offence against an enactment pursuant to the Summary Convictions Act. R.S.Y. 1986, c. 164 by prosecutors appointed by the Yukon; and

13.6.4.4 any term of imprisonment ordered by the Territorial Court of the Yukon pursuant to 13.6.4.1 shall be served in a correctional facility pursuant to the Corrections Act. R.S.Y.. 1986, c. 36.

13.6.5 Nothing in 13.6.4 is intended to preclude:

13.6.5.1 consensual or existing customary practices of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation with respect to the administration of justice; or

13.6.5.2 programs and practices in respect of the administration of justice, including alternate sentencing or other appropriate remedies, to which the Parties agree before an agreement is concluded pursuant to 13.6.1 and 13.6.2.

13.6.6 The provisions in 13.6.4 are interim provisions and shall expire five years from the Effective Date or on the effective date of the agreement concluded pursuant to 13.6.1 and 13.6.2, whichever is earlier. If the Parties fail to reach an agreement pursuant to 13.6.1 and 13.6.2 during the five year period then the interim provisions shall extend for a further term ending December 31, 1999.

13.6.7 All new and incremental costs of implementing the interim provisions in 13.6.4 incurred by the Yukon shall be paid by Canada in accordance with guidelines to be negotiated by the Yukon and Canada.

14.0 Taxation

14.1 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall have the power to enact laws in relation to:

14.1.1 taxation, for local purposes, of interests in Settlement Land and of occupants and tenants of Settlement Land in respect of their interests in those lands, including assessment, collection and enforcement procedures and appeals relating thereto;

14.1.2 other modes of direct taxation of Citizens (and, if agreed under 14.5.2, other persons and entities) within Settlement Land to raise revenue for Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation purposes; and

14.1.3 the implementation of measures made pursuant to any taxation agreement entered into pursuant to 14.8.

14.2 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation's powers provided for in 14.1 shall not limit Government's powers to levy tax or make taxation laws.

14.3 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall not exercise its power to enact laws pursuant to 14.1.1 until the expiration of three years following the Effective Date, or until such earlier time as may be agreed between the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and the Yukon.

14.4 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall not exercise its power to enact laws pursuant to 14.1.2 until the expiration of three years following the Effective Date.

14.5 After the expiration of one year following the Effective Date, or at such earlier time as may be agreed by Canada and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Canada and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall make reasonable efforts to negotiate agreements on:

14.5.1 the manner in which the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation's power to enact taxation laws under 14.1.2 shall be coordinated with existing tax systems; and

14.5.2 the extent, if any, to which the power provided for in 14.1.2 should be extended to apply to other persons and entities within Settlement Land.

14.6 When the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation exercises its jurisdiction, or assumes responsibility, for the management, administration and delivery of local services and, as a consequence, exercises property taxation powers under 14.1.1, the Yukon shall undertake to ensure a sharing of tax room in respect of property taxes consistent with equitable and comparable taxation levels.

14.6.1 To the extent that the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation imposes property taxation for local purposes, the Yukon shall ensure that Yukon municipalities do not incur any consequential net loss.

14.6.2 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and the Yukon shall enter into negotiations as necessary to provide for the efficient delivery of local services and programs.

14.7 Where, following the ratification date of this Agreement, Parliament enacts Legislation providing:

14.7.1 taxation powers to an Indian government other than those provided for in this Agreement; or

14.7.2 tax exemptions for an Indian government, or an entity owned by an Indian government, other than those provided for in this Agreement,

Canada shall, upon the request in writing of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, recommend Legislation to the appropriate legislative authority to provide the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation with those other powers or exemptions on the same terms as are set out in the Legislation which provides the powers or exemptions to the other Indian government or entity.

14.8 The Yukon Minister of Finance may enter into taxation agreements with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

15.0 Taxation Status

15.1 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall, for the purposes of paragraph 149(1){c) of the Income Tax Act. S.C. 1970-71-72, c. 63 be deemed to be a public body performing a function of government in Canada for each taxation year of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation where, at all times before the end of the year:

15.1.1 all of its real property and all or substantially all of its tangible personal property was situate on Settlement Land;

15.1.2 it did not carry on any business other than a business carried on by it on Settlement Land, the primary purpose of which was to provide goods or services to Citizens or residents of Settlement Land; and

15.1.3 all or substantially all of its activities were devoted to the exercise of its powers of government authorized under this Agreement, Self-Government Legislation, its Settlement Agreement or Settlement Legislation, and for these purposes the taxation year of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall be the calendar year or such other fiscal period as the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation may elect.

15.2 Nothing in this Agreement shall affect the taxation status of Settlement Corporations as provided for in Chapter 20 of the Final Agreement.

15.3 No tax shall be payable under the Income Tax Act. S.C. 1970-71- 72, c. 63 for a taxation year on the income, property or capital of a corporation, in this clause referred to as "the subsidiary", where, at all times before the end of the year:

15.3.1 all the shares and capital of the subsidiary are owned by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation or by another subsidiary that satisfies the requirements of 15.3.1, 15.3.2, 15.3.3, 15.3.4 and 15.3.5;

15.3.2 no part of the earnings of the subsidiary are available to any person other than the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation or to another subsidiary that satisfies the requirements of 15.3.1, 15.3.2, 15.3.3, 15.3.4 and 15.3.5;

15.3.3 all of the real property and all or substantially all of the tangible personal property of the subsidiary is situate on Settlement Land;

15.3.4 the subsidiary did not carry on any business other than a business carried on by it on Settlement Land, the primary purpose of which was to provide goods or services to Citizens or residents of Settlement Land, provided that any revenue arising from the provision of goods or services to persons other than Citizens or residents of Settlement Land comprises only an incidental portion of the total revenue from the business; and

15.3.5 the subsidiary was not a Settlement Corporation established pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Final Agreement.

15.4 Where the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation is deemed to be a public body under 15.1 for a particular year, no income tax will be imposed on the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation by the Yukon in respect of that year.

15.5 Where, under 15.3, no income tax is payable by a subsidiary for a particular year, no income tax will be imposed on the subsidiary by the Yukon in respect of that year.

16.0 Self-Government Financial Transfer Agreement

16.1 Canada and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall negotiate a self- government financial transfer agreement in accordance with 16.3, with the objective of providing the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation with resources to enable the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to provide public services at levels reasonably comparable to those generally prevailing in Yukon, at reasonably comparable levels of taxation.

16.2 Subject to such terms and conditions as may be agreed, the self- government financial transfer agreement shall set out:

16.2.1 the amounts of funding to be provided by Canada towards the cost of public services, where the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has assumed responsibility;

16.2.2 the amounts of funding to be provided by Canada towards the cost of operation of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation government institutions; and

16.2.3 such other matters as Canada and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation may agree.

16.3 In negotiating the self-government financial transfer agreement, Canada and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall take into account the following:

16.3.1 the ability and capacity of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to generate revenues from its own sources;

16.3.2 diseconomies of scale which impose higher operating or administrative costs on the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, in relation to costs prevailing prior to conclusion of this Agreement;

16.3.3 due regard to economy and efficiency, including the possibilities for co-operative or Joint arrangements among Yukon First Nations for the management, administration and delivery of programs or services;

16.3.4 any funding provided to the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation through other Government transfer programs;

16.3.5 demographic features of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation;

16.3.6 results of reviews pursuant to 6.6;

16.3.7 existing levels of Government expenditure for services to Yukon First Nations and Yukon Indian People;

16.3.8 the prevailing fiscal policies of Canada;

16.3.9 other federal Legislation respecting the financing of aboriginal governments; and

16.3.10 such other matters as Canada and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation may agree.

16.4 To assist in the negotiation of self-government financial transfer agreements. Government and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall:

16.4.1 take into account the direct and indirect costs to Government, over such period as the Parties may agree, of managing, administering and delivering a particular program or service for which the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation is assuming responsibility;

16.4.2 subject to the restrictions described in 2.7.0 of the Final Agreement, disclose all relevant information for the purposes of 16.4.1;

16.4.3 consider the establishment of a base year and appropriate adjustment factors for determining the resources to be provided; and

16.4.4 consider, without prejudice, the method for calculating the formula financing grant under the Formula Financing Agreement between Canada and the Yukon.

16.5 Self-government financial transfer agreements may consolidate federal program funding (operating and capital programs) for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

16.6 Payments pursuant to the self-government financial transfer agreement shall be provided on an unconditional basis except where criteria or conditions are attached to the provision of funding for similar programs or services in other jurisdictions in Canada.

16.7 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation may continue to access federal program funding for those programs not consolidated in the self- government financial transfer agreement in accordance with program authorities and conditions in effect from time to time.

16.8 Financial compensation paid:

16.8.1 to Yukon First Nations in accordance with Chapter 19 of the Umbrella Final Agreement; and

16.8.2 to the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation pursuant to Chapter 19 of the Final Agreement, and the proceeds from investments of the financial compensation described in 16.8.1 and 16.8.2, shall not be taken into account for the purposes of determining the level of funding provided through self-government financial transfer agreements.

16.9 Funding pursuant to self-government financial transfer agreements shall be provided in the form of grants or other arrangements as appropriate.

16.10 Any amounts required for the purposes of the self-government financial transfer agreement shall be paid out of such monies as may be appropriated by Parliament for those purposes.

16.11 Unless otherwise agreed, a self-government financial transfer agreement shall be for a term of five years.

16.12 At least one year prior to the date of expiry of the then current self- government financial transfer agreement Canada and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall begin negotiating the terms of a new self-government financial transfer agreement. Until a new agreement has been concluded, the financing provisions of the expiring financial transfer agreement, other than those dealing with start-up and one-time cost, shall continue for a further two years or for such period as may be agreed by Canada and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

16.13 The self-government financial transfer agreement shall be attached to but not form part of this Agreement and it shall be a contract between Canada and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

16.14 The level of funding provided pursuant to the self-government financial transfer agreement may be adjusted annually according to a formula to be agreed upon by Canada and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

16.15 When the self-government financial transfer agreement is renegotiated, the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and Government shall review the cost-sharing arrangements.

16.16 The first self-government financial transfer agreement of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall be negotiated at the same time as the implementation plan for this Agreement.

16.17 Nothing in 16.0 shall affect the ability of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to exercise, or benefit from, any rights that it may become entitled to under future provisions of the constitution of Canada.

17.0 Programs and Services

17.1 During the term of a self-government financial transfer agreement the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and Government shall negotiate the assumption of responsibility by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation for the management, administration and delivery of any program or service within the jurisdiction of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, whether or not the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has enacted a law respecting such matter.

17.2 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall notify Government by March 31st of each year of its priorities for negotiations pursuant to 17.1 for the fiscal year beginning April 1st of that year. Within 60 days of receipt of such notification, the Parties shall prepare a workplan to address the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation's priorities for negotiation. The workplan shall identify timelines and resources available for negotiations.

17.3 Negotiations pursuant to 17.1 shall have the following objectives:

17.3.1 to provide resources adequate to ensure that the program or service to be offered by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation is of a level or quality equivalent to the Government program or service and existing program or service quality is not diminished;

17.3.2 to provide for mechanisms of cooperation and co- ordination, as appropriate, between the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation government and governments at a local, territorial and federal level to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the program or service;

17.3.3 to consider financial and administrative limitations and to promote administrative efficiency and economies of scale;

17.3.4 to provide for local management and delivery of the program or service;

17.3.5 to provide mechanisms for negotiating basic common standards between Government and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation programs and services; and

17.3.6 to identify the scope of the Parties' authority.

17.4 An agreement concluded pursuant to 17.1 shall include a program and service implementation plan and identify the training requirements to be addressed in that plan.

17.5 Canada and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation may agree to consolidate the funding provided for in an agreement entered into pursuant to 17.1 with the funding provided pursuant to the self- government financial transfer agreement, which consolidation may take effect either at the commencement of the next fiscal year or at the commencement of the term of the next self-government financial transfer agreement.

17.6 Any responsibility assumed by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation in an agreement entered into pursuant to 17.1 shall be funded by interim financing arrangements which shall be in accordance with 16.1.

18.0 Government of the Yukon Financial Contributions

18.1 The contribution of the Yukon shall be subtracted from the expenditure base of any fiscal transfer arrangement in effect at the time, and shall be calculated by Government to be the aggregate of the following:

18.1.1 the savings in expenditures realized by the Yukon as a result of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation's assumption of responsibility for programs and services, taking into account efficiency and economy as well as losses in efficiency that result from the Yukon's continuing responsibility for such programs and services; minus

18.1.2 an amount equal to losses in tax revenues resulting from the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation occupying tax room previously occupied by the Yukon, but only if the revenue capacity associated with the tax room previously occupied by the Yukon remains included in the revenue capacity of the Yukon for the purpose of determining the federal fiscal transfer; minus

18.1.3 the monetary value of technical assistance and other contributions in kind provided by the Yukon; as well as

18.1.4 any other factors as Canada and the Yukon may agree, but in all cases, the Yukon shall continue to have the capacity to provide to Yukon residents the services for which it remains responsible, at a level or quality comparable to those prevailing prior to assumption of responsibility by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation for the programs and services.

18.2 Any one-time net savings to the Yukon resulting from the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation's assumption of responsibilities shall be paid by the Yukon to Canada in instalments of an amount and in accordance with a schedule to be agreed upon.

18.3 The calculation of net savings pursuant to 18.0 shall be made solely at the time that the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation initially assumes responsibility for that program or service or part thereof.

18.4 Should there be no fiscal transfer arrangement as contemplated in 18.1 that is in effect at the time, then the Yukon contribution shall be provided for under an agreement to be negotiated by Canada and the Yukon, and shall be based on the stipulations enumerated in 18.1.

19.0 Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Revenue

19.1 If the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has access to a tax base, the revenue capacity associated with that tax base may be considered in determining the level of funding to be received pursuant to the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation's self-government financial transfer agreement, provided that:

19.1.1 the revenue capacity associated with the tax base will be subject to offset at a ratio of less than 1:1;

19.1.2 any such revenue capacity shall be excluded entirely from such consideration for a period of two years following the date that the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation obtains access to that tax base; and

19.1.3 the tax rate or rates used to measure revenue capacity during a further period beyond the initial two years shall take into account the capability of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to exploit that tax base.

20.0 Laws of Canada and Yukon

20.1 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has the power to adopt any Law of the Yukon or Canada as its own law in respect of matters provided for in this Agreement.

20.2 The Statutory Instruments Act. R.S.C. 1985, c. S-22, does not apply to a law enacted by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

21.0 Public Register of Laws and Notification Provisions

21.1 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation government shall maintain at its principal administrative offices a register of all laws enacted by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

21.2 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall enter into negotiations with other Yukon First Nations with a view to concluding an agreement to establish a central registry of constitutions and laws enacted by Yukon First Nations.

21.3 Every law enacted by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and any amendment thereto and the Constitution and any amendment thereto shall be entered in their entirety into the register forthwith upon approval, adoption or enactment and also shall be forwarded forthwith to the central registry,

21.4 Any person shall have reasonable access to the registries during normal business hours.

21.5 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall forward to Government a list of Citizens and any alterations to that list forthwith after they occur.

22.0 Financial Accountability

22.1 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall prepare, maintain and publish its accounts in a manner consistent with the standards generally accepted for governments in Canada.

23.0 Implementation

23.1 The Parties shall conclude an implementation plan as soon as practicable.

23.2 If the implementation plan has not been completed at the time this Agreement is ratified by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall be deemed to have delegated to the Chief and Council of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation the authority to negotiate and approve the implementation plan on behalf of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

23.3 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall approve the implementation plan before it is approved by Government.

23.4 Canada shall seek approval of the implementation plan at the same time Canada seeks ratification of this Agreement.

23.5 The implementation plan referred to in 23.1 shall be attached to but not form part of this Agreement and it shall be a contract between the Parties, and, to the extent practicable, it shall be coordinated with the implementation plan for the Final Agreement.

24.0 Dispute Resolution

24.1 If the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and Canada do not agree to the terms of a self-government financial transfer agreement provided for in 16.0, either party may refer the matter to mediation under 26.4.0 of the Final Agreement.

24.2 If the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Canada, or the Yukon do not agree:

24.2.1 to the calculation of the contribution of the Yukon provided for in 18.1; or,

24.2.2 in the negotiations for the transfer of programs or services provided for in 17.0,

any party may refer the matter to mediation under 26.4.0 of the Final Agreement.

24.3 A dispute respecting this Agreement not described in 24.1 or 24.2 may be referred to mediation under 26.4.0 of the Final Agreement upon agreement of the Parties.

24.4 The parties to a dispute described in 24.1 to 24.3 which is not resolved by mediation under 26.6.0 of the Final Agreement may agree to refer the dispute to arbitration under 26.7.0 of the Final Agreement and the arbitrator shall have the authority provided in 26.7.3 of the Final Agreement to resolve the dispute.

24.5 Subject to 26.8.0 of the Final Agreement, no party may apply to any court for relief in respect of any dispute which has been referred to arbitration under 24.4, except for an application for interim or interlocutory relief where the board has failed to appoint an arbitrator under 26.7.2 of the Final Agreement within 60 days of an application by any party to the dispute.

1.0 Definitions

1.1 In this schedule:

"Eligible Voter" means a person who is on the official voters list prepared pursuant to 3.0 of Schedule A to Chapter 2 of the Final Agreement.

"Ratification Committee" means the Ratification Committee established pursuant to 2.0 of Schedule A to Chapter 2 of the Final Agreement; and

2.0 General

2.1 Ratification of this Agreement by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation in accordance with this schedule shall be considered ratification by all persons eligible to be Citizens that the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation represents.

2.2 This Agreement shall be ratified by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation before being considered for ratification by Canada and the Yukon.

2.3 Government shall consider the ratification of this Agreement within three months after the publication of its ratification by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation or as soon as practicable thereafter,

3.0 Ratification Committee

3.1 The Ratification Committee shall be responsible for conducting the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation ratification process.

3.2 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall prepare a budget for the ratification process for this Agreement, subject to review and approval by Canada. The approved expenses of the Committee shall be a charge on Canada.

4.0 Official Voters List

4.1 The official voters list prepared by the Ratification Committee pursuant to 3.0 of Schedule A to Chapter 2 of the Final Agreement shall constitute the official voters list for the vote on the ratification of this Agreement.

4.1.1 The Ratification Committee shall inform all persons eligible to be on the official voters list of the significance of consenting to be on that list.

4.1.2 Without limiting the measures the Ratification Committee may take to inform persons under 4.1.1, providing notice in writing to each person's last known address shall be sufficient.

4.2 At least two weeks prior to the vote, the Ratification Committee shall publish the official voters list in Old Crow, Whitehorse and other such communities as the Ratification Committee considers necessary.

4.3 The Ratification Committee shall add to the official voters list any person eligible to be on the list who, at any time up to and including the date of the vote, consents to be on the list.

4.4 All persons on the official voters list shall be entitled to vote.

5.0 Information Campaign

5.1 The Ratification Committee shall be responsible for affording Eligible Voters a reasonable opportunity to review the substance and details of this Agreement through the use of a communications strategy which may include videos, information booklets, community visits, door to door visits and accurate map reproductions.

6.0 Voting Process

6.1 The vote on the ratification of this Agreement shall be held on the same date or dates, at the same places and in the same manner as the vote on the ratification of the Final Agreement.

6.2 The vote shall be held at Old Crow, Whitehorse and such other places as the Ratification Committee determines under 5.2 of Schedule A to Chapter 2 of the Final Agreement.

6.3 The Ratification Committee shall determine the means by which votes shall be cast, which may include mail-in ballots. The Ratification Committee shall make reasonable efforts to provide all eligible voters with a reasonable opportunity to vote. The Ratification Committee may conduct an advance vote.

6.4 The vote shall be held on the same date or dates in all polling locations.

6.5 The date of the vote and the polling locations shall be posted in each community in which a ballot may be cast.

6.6 The vote shall be by secret ballot.

6.7 The vote on the ratification of this Agreement and the vote on the ratification of the Final Agreement shall be combined in a single ballot and shall consist of a single vote which approves or does not approve the ratification of both this Agreement and the Final Agreement.

6.7.1 The appearance, format, and contents of the ballot shall be approved by the parties to this Agreement.

6.8 The Ratification Committee shall receive and tabulate all ballots.

7.0 Ratification of the Agreement By the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation

7.1 The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall be considered to have ratified this Agreement if more than:

7.1.1 50 percent of the persons eligible to be on the official voters list consent to be on the list; and

7.1.2 more than 50 percent of Eligible Voters cast a ballot approving this Agreement.

7.2 The Ratification Committee shall tabulate and publish figures showing:

7.2.1 the total number of persons eligible to be on the official voters list and the total number of persons who consented to be on the list; and

7.2.2 the total number of ballots cast, the total number of ballots approving this Agreement, the total number not approving this Agreement, the total number of ballots spoiled, and the total number of ballots rejected, but none of these figures shall be tabulated on a community basis or any basis other than the aggregate vote.

7.3 The Ratification Committee shall publish results referred to in 7.2 in each community in which the official voters list was published pursuant to 4.2 and may publish the results in any other location the Ratification Committee determines.

7.4 The Ratification Committee shall prepare and submit to the parties to this Agreement, within two weeks of publication of the results, a report on the carrying out of the Vuntut Gwitchin ratification process for this Agreement.

7.5 After ratification of this Agreement by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation but prior to submission of this Agreement for ratification by Canada, the negotiators, on behalf of Government, and the Chief of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, on behalf of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, may agree to minor amendments to this Agreement.

8.0 Ratification of the Agreement By Government

8.1 After the Ratification Committee conducts the vote, publishes the results, and reports to the Parties under 7.4, and, if the results of the vote constitute a ratification of this Agreement by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, this Agreement shall be presented by the Premier to the Executive Council for approval, and by the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development to Cabinet for approval.

9.0 Signing of the Agreement

9.1 This Agreement shall be signed by representatives of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Canada and the Yukon as soon as practicable after ratification by Government.