June 28, 2010
Creating Our Future Together is an effort to do exactly that: bring NWT residents together to form a common vision for the Northwest Territories in the 21st century.
Ours is a diverse and sprawled territory, with different cultures, groups, and beliefs across our vast landscape. That diversity is part of what makes our territory unique and special in Canada, but alongside that potential it also forms challenges.
A common vision or goal will help to guide the actions and decisions of future NWT governments as they work to advance the best interests of our Territory and its residents – and address the opportunities and challenges that lie before us.
Creating Our Future Together is being led by the Northern Leaders Forum made up of the NWT’s regional Aboriginal governments, representatives of the Association of Communities, and the 16th Legislative Assembly and the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Collectively, our northern leaders are asking NWT residents to describe the future that they envision for themselves and their Territory. With this input, they hope to identify areas of common importance and concern – and to articulate the direction and growth that NWT resident’s desire for their Territory over the next 20-30 years.
Developing this vision will need input and guidance from individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and more – everyone with a personal stake in how our territory’s future is formed.
This is why we need to hear from you.
Make Yourself Heard….
August 24, 2010
Premier Roland met with 45 youth from across the NWT on August 17 to talk about what they want the NWT to be like in 20 to 30 years. Common themes included the need to balance economic development with environmental protection, education as the key to the territory’s future, and connecting our communities through improving infrastructure.
Youth are prepared to play an active role in shaping the way that we govern our territory. They welcome the opportunity to participate in processes where their views are appreciated and valued. Participants also recognize that personal responsibility will be required to achieve the common vision, and discussed some things that all NWT residents can do to make their homes and communities better places to live and work.
The roundtable summary is here.
August 24, 2010
The Premier attended this conference in Dettah on August 12 and spoke to delegates.
Some youth said that a self-sustaining economy is critical to the future. They discussed new technologies, greening the economy, more energy efficient practices and innovative solutions to deal with the effects of current energy practices on the environment. Some were concerned that land claim and self-government agreements may not be settled, even in 20 to 30 years.
All of the groups stressed the importance of education as an important determinant of creating self-sufficient, healthy and sustainable communities. They also spoke of the importance of balancing economic development with environmentally sustainable practices. Education, job training and skills development are necessary to capitalize on emerging resource development opportunities, but it is also important to pursue economic development opportunities in a way that ensures that the environment is protected and that revenues from non-renewable resource development are invested in the future.
Youth delegates called for more opportunities to get involved with providing input to governments at the local, regional and territorial level, including more opportunities for participation in meetings that affect their communities.
The summary report is available here.
July 22, 2010
Premier Floyd Roland met with representatives from NWT non-profit organizations, social groups, and the business community on July 9th in Yellowknife. The second roundtable held as part of Creating Our Future Together, the group focused their comments on how best the government can work to meet the needs of NWT residents into the future. Identifying both current concerns, from education to providing jobs, and anticipating future issues like devolution, the participants provided the Premier with a wide range of viewpoints and insights into the future of the Northwest Territories.
The full moderator’s report is available here.
July 16, 2010
The first Creating Our Future Together roundtable was held on July 7th, with Premier Roland meeting with representatives of the NWT’s media organizations to hear their perspective on what the future of our territory should look like. Among the wide range of opinions expressed were three common concerns: the importance of empowering regions and individuals in decision-making processes, the need for change to the NWT’s political system, and the assertion that any change that will affect the territory in 30 years must begin now.
Premier Roland and the first participants in Creating Our Future Together.
The Moderator’s Summary of the first roundtable can be found here.
July 9, 2010
The Premier’s planned roundtable discussions pay tribute to the North’s Aboriginal leadership circles – and the time-honoured tradition of cooperative leadership that is continued by our Northern Leaders’ Forum.
- Elders’ Parliament (Yellowknife) – Concluded
- Roundtable of Media Representatives (Yellowknife) – Concluded
- Roundtable Yellowknife – Concluded
- Aboriginal Youth Economic Development Workshop (Dettah) – August 12, 2010
- Radio Roundtable (CBC) – August 13, 2010
- Roundtable secondary students and GNWT interns (Yellowknife) – August 19, 2010
- Roundtable Inuvik – August 31, 2010
- Radio Roundtable (CKLB) – Sept 3, 2010
- Roundtable Hay River – Sept 8, 2010
July 9, 2010
Premier Floyd Roland today launched Creating Our Future Together – his part of a collective effort by NWT elected leaders to identify a common vision for the future of the Northwest Territories.
Premier Roland speaks to the inaugural Creating Our Future Together roundtable in Yellowknife.
“In a variety of ways, we are asking all NWT residents to describe the future that they envision for themselves and their Territory,” the Premier said.
“Implicit in arriving at this common vision or goal will be the priorities, steps and initiatives that will help guide future leaders and their governments to advance the best interests of the NWT and its residents – and address the opportunities and challenges that lie before us.”
Premier Roland says he wants to ensure that all NWT residents have the opportunity to be heard. Continue reading →
July 4, 2010
In the past weeks, residents of the Northwest Territories have enjoyed two distinct celebrations that recognize the founding elements of our unique Northern culture.
National Aboriginal Day on June 21st gave us the opportunity to salute the tremendous contribution of Canada’s Aboriginal people to our lives and our territory. July 1st saw us come together again to recognize and celebrate our diverse society and our history as Canadians.
Regardless of our different backgrounds, traditions and cultures, our celebrations prove that we as residents of the Northwest Territories can always find common ground as Northerners and as Canadians. Continue reading →
July 1, 2010
Premier Roland joined all Canadian Premiers in a special airing of the Canadian Public Affairs Channel (CPAC)’s “Political Reflections”.
During the interview, which took place earlier this month in the Legislative Assembly, Premier Roland repeatedly emphasized the need for Northerners to continue to work together to determine the future of the Northwest Territories. Citing his work with the Northern Leaders Forum, the Premier asked all residents of the NWT to make their voices heard on what they feel our territory should look like in the future.
July 1, 2010
July 1st, marks the 143rd anniversary of Canada’s Confederation. Premier Floyd Roland is encouraging all NWT residents to take the opportunity to reflect on what makes our country a great place to live, and how we can work to make it even better.
“Part of what I value in Canada is our diversity, where every province and territory has its own unique qualities – but when considered together forms a proud, strong and free nation,” said Premier Roland. “Our territory reflects this same dynamic. The people of the Northwest Territories represent many different cultures and backgrounds, but we are able to work together to ensure a vibrant and promising future full of opportunities and choices. I encourage all NWT residents to celebrate July 1st, and the rich heritage and potential that we enjoy as Northerners and Canadians.”
June 30, 2010
Premier Floyd Roland was in Nuuk, Greenland this week, attending the 11th Inuit Circumpolar Council General Assembly and promoting the importance of cooperation amongst Northern groups in the face of growing global interest in the Arctic.
Continue reading →
