The premiers of Canada's three Northern territories see the split of the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada into two departments as an opportunity.

"Premiers see this reorganization as an opportunity to honour the intent of devolution agreements, including moving decision-making affecting the North out of the new Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and into the hands of northern governments, and the ultimate dissolution of the Northern Affairs program," stated an Aug. 31 joint news release after the premiers met in Yellowknife.

The news release stated the hope is the move will improve the federal relationship with Indigenous peoples and Northern governments.

It was originally announced Aug. 28 that INAC would be divided into Department of Indigenous Services and the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs.