Tłı̨chǫ Government Structure
The Tłı̨chǫ Government has powers to pass and enforce a wide range of its own laws. The Tłı̨chǫ Government can own resources, receive tax revenues and protect resources. The focus of the Tłı̨chǫ Government is the protection of the Tłı̨chǫ language and culture, heritage and wildlife. The Tłı̨chǫ people also have their own Constitution. The Constitution sets out the rights and freedoms of Tłı̨chǫ citizens and provides the rules for the election of the Tłı̨chǫ Government and for keeping the Government accountable. The Tłı̨chǫ Governing Structure is made up of three parts:
1. Annual Gathering
An Annual Gathering of the is held on a rotation basis in each Tłı̨chǫ community. The purpose of the Annual Gathering is to bring people together to share in the social, political and cultural activities of the Tłı̨chǫ. Among other things, the following matters shall be attended to at the Annual Gathering:
- an open forum shall be held where Tłı̨chǫ Citizens may ask questions, make recommendations and provide broad policy directions to the Tłı̨chǫ Assembly;
- nominations for the Grand Chief shall be announced in the year of an election;
- annual reports including financial reports on the activities of Tłı̨chǫ Government and its institutions shall be presented;
- debate, consideration and approval of proposed amendments to the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement or to the Constitution; and
- consider approval of motions from the Tłı̨chǫ Assembly.
2. Tłı̨chǫ Assembly
The Tłı̨chǫ Assembly is made up of a Grand Chief elected by Tłįchǫ citizens, a Chief from each of the four Tłı̨chǫ Community Governments and two representatives of each Tłı̨chǫ community. These members are elected by the residents of their community. The Tłı̨chǫ Assembly sits at least four times per year in one of the four communities. The Tłı̨chǫ Assembly is the law making body for the Tłı̨chǫ Government.
3. Chief's Executive Council
The Chief's Executive Council is made up of a Grand Chief elected by Tłı̨chǫ citizens, and a Chief from each of the four Tłı̨chǫ Community Governments. The Chief's Executive Council oversees the Implementation of Tłı̨chǫ Laws
