Tli Cho Communities Sign Sweeping Self-government, Land Deal

Chretien's appearance at signing viewed as attempt to shore up legacy aspirations

By Len Kruzenga

Rae-edzo, N.W.T.-An historic land claim and self-government agreement between the federal government, the territorial government and the four Dogrib reserves that comprise the Tli Cho Nation will see its 3000 plus members control over 39,000 square kilometers of land and water, ownership of its resources, direct control over their development and contains several ground-breaking self-government provisions.

The signing of the agreement late last month was also an occasion for Prime Minister Jean Chretien to make a rare personal appearance on a reserve and to engage in some enthusiastic flag waving.

"What we see today is that in spite of the evolution of society, you have kept your culture and your pride," said the PM. "This is the glory of Canada that we can be what we are and at the same time be part of the greater Canada."

The Tli Cho are signatories to Treaty 11, signed in 1921 and have been involved in decades-long land claim and self-government negotiations in an attempt to wrest the guarantees they have long-maintained were contained in that treaty.

Four Dogrib reserves, which make up the first nation, will now elect councilors and chiefs to form the Tli Cho government to administer the entire area.

It will be the first new government in the region since the creation of Nunavut in 1999.

However, the feds will continue to exercise jurisdiction of criminal law and the territorial government will maintain is powers over health and education and the agreement specifies that Tli Cho laws are not allowed to conflict with the jurisdictions of other levels of government.

In addition the deals allows the Dogrib people to control hunting, fishing and economic development and its new government will also no be eligible for revenue sharing as a result of the extensive petro-chemical and mining development along the Mackenzie Valley.

The deal is expected to come into force after it has been ratified by Parliament and the territorial legislature next spring.

Indian Affairs Minister Robert Nault used the occasion to hammer home a familiar refrain.

"This agreement puts the tools of self-sufficiency where they belong-in the hands of the Tli Cho people.

"It gives the Tli Cho more power to protect their way of life, to further responsible economic growth and to increase community well being," he said.

Dogrib Grand Chief Joe Rabesca appeared to agree with that assessment issuing words of encouragement through a translated statement.

"This is a partnership that benefits all of Canada. We have learned a lot from each other."

Tli Cho voters ratified the deal during the summer with a 93 per cent participation rate as support votes for the deal exceeded 80 per cent.

For recently elected AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine, who also attended the celebration, the potential of the newly signed agreement to provide immediate impetus to other bi-lateral and tri-partite negotiations underway with first nations across Canada was evident.

"This agreement shows that when we work together we can meet all our interests-we can give life to first nations' rights, we can strengthen the national economy and we can re-vitalize our people and our governments."

I know that for all of our peoples, self-sufficiency is a necessity for self-government. The Tli Cho Agreement will allow the Dogrib peoples to move further in re-establishing self-sufficiency and self-government. I am honoured to have been part of this historic event," said Fontaine.