Self-Government Treaties

These are sometimes called Self-government Agreements or Modern Treaties.

Each Self-Government Treaty is unique. It is negotiated between the government and Indigenous community in question. 
These Treaties set out how Indigenous groups will exercise their Inherent Right to self-government. They recognize that Indigenous groups have the right to govern their internal affairs. They also recognize the right of Indigenous communities to be part of other decision-making that affects their communities. These Treaties set out:

• the structure of the Indigenous government
• how the Indigenous government will be accountable to members of the community
• how the Indigenous government will be elected
• how laws will be made
• who will manage programs and deliver services in areas such as health, social services and education for the community

Self-government under these Treaties does not mean that other Canadian laws (both federal and provincial) do not apply. The Treaty can deal with whether certain laws, such as the Indian Act, will apply.

Once a Self-Government Treaty has been signed the government passes a law to bring the Treaty into effect.