Acts, Agreements, Treaties and Land Claims

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) is one of the federal government departments responsible for meeting the Government of Canada's obligations and commitments to First Nations, Inuit and Métis and for fulfilling the federal government's constitutional responsibilities in the North. Many of these responsibilities are defined by the more than 50 laws and regulations that AANDC administers. The department's programs, services, policies and legislative initiatives help fulfill its responsibilities.

AANDC negotiates and implements land claims and self-government agreements on behalf of the Government of Canada. The department is also responsible for fulfilling obligations in historic treaties.

Strong partnerships among Aboriginal people, governments and the private sector are emerging as outstanding land claims and treaty issues are addressed, and self-government agreements are negotiated. Land claims and self-government agreements achieve:

  • greater certainty over rights to land and resources contributing to a positive investment climate and creating greater potential for economic development and growth
  • greater control for Aboriginal people and Northerners over the decisions that affect their lives

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