Inuvialuit sign self-government agreement-in-principle today

It's another milestone for the Inuvialuit of the Western Arctic: Inuvialuit Regional Corp. chair Nellie Cournoyea and otherswill sign their self-government agreement-in-principle at 4 p.m. today in Inuvik's Ingamo Hall.

The dealwill outline how Inuvialuit communities intend to run services now administered by the federal, territorial or municipal governments.

When and if the agreement is approved, Inuvialuit could eventually be in charge of education, justice and even charging taxes.

But first the finalself-government agreement needs to be negotiated and approved bythe region's approximately 3,500 voting members.

Dennis Allen is an Inuvialuit filmmaker. He thinks about the days when aboriginal groups didn't have to answer to the Crown or any other powers: they governed themselves.

"At one time the chief of the people had ultimate authority over the people."

He says a lot depends on the final agreement and how it's implemented.

"It looks pretty good on paper but when it comes to hitting the streets, I don't know how it is going to work. Or if it's going to work."

John Stuart is a youth coordinator with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

He says self-government will work if young people take education seriously.

"I tell them this could happen if we have the right, trained people."

Negotiations on the self-governmentagreement began in April 2006. They stemfrom the Inuvialuit land claim signed in 1984.

N.W.T. Premier Bob McLeod will attend the signing ceremony.