Sahtu Dene and Metis Final Agreement

Project Snapshot

Project Overview

Introduction

The Sahtu Land Claim Agreement, signed in 1993, granted title to over 41,437 km² of land in the Mackenzie River region of the Northwest Territories. Underhill was contracted to carry out boundary and parcel surveys across this vast Arctic landscape, supporting land title, wildlife harvesting rights, and resource management for the Sahtu Dene and Métis people.

Survey Scope & Strategy

Survey Components

Underhill completed 12 survey contracts between 1995 and 2003. The scope of work included:

• 679 Isolated Boundary Corners Established using a combination of RTK and static GPS, referencing geographic features and coordinate intersections. 
• 29 Site-Specific Parcels & 22 Crown Reserves Precisely delineated with legal surveys to establish community and administrative boundaries. 
• Natural and Infrastructure Boundaries
  • 3,565 km of natural boundaries (rivers, lakes, ridgelines) 
  • 192 km of seismic lines 
  • 173 km of roads, trails, and pipelines 
  • 16 detour lines 

Survey Methodology

The hybrid approach combined conventional line cutting with Isolated Boundary Corner (IBC) placement. Corners were marked at critical inflection points and verified with GPS, reducing the need for full boundary clearing in remote and ecologically sensitive areas.

Community Collaboration

Underhill worked in coordination with Sahtu communities and regional boards, ensuring that local knowledge and stewardship were integrated into the project.

• Regulatory coordination: Sahtu Land and Water Board 
• Wildlife management alignment: Sahtu Renewable Resources Board 

Project Impact

The survey program contributed to:

• Legal land title registration for the Sahtu Dene and Métis 
• Environmental stewardship through accurate mapping of sensitive zones
• Ongoing economic development, as land tenure underpins leasing, royalties, and co-management