[IPSM] Dehcho delegates criticize land claim offer

[Macdonald Stainsby]

Dehcho delegates criticize land claim offer
Last Updated: Wednesday, June 28, 2006 | 3:50 PM CT
CBC News

A recent land-claim settlement offered to the Dehcho First Nations was 
roundly criticized Tuesday by delegates attending the Dehcho's annual 
assembly in the Northwest Territories community of Kakisa.

The offer, which Dehcho leaders called hurtful and insulting, includes 
39,000 square kilometres of land and $104 million over 15 years.

The Dehcho First Nations represents 11 communities in the southwest 
region of the Northwest Territories. Many of the communities are along 
the proposed Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline route.

Dehcho Grand Chief Herb Norwegian said the federal government only made 
the offer to show the oil companies and investors behind the proposed 
pipeline that progress was being made with First Nations in the region.

"Somehow or another, this is supposed to give the appearance that this 
is what the Dehcho wanted, this will keep them happy, when really this 
is a non-starter," said Norwegian.

Delegates were particularly concerned about the proposal to divide the 
land into parcels, only some of which would be owned by the Dehcho. 
Since 1993, the Dehcho have insisted they must have an ownership share 
of all the land in the region.

Tim Lennie, a former Wrigley chief, said he resented Ottawa's approach.

"It's just like I'm sitting across from the Communist party," he told 
the federal government representatives. "You say what's going to happen, 
we do what we're told."

Criticism of the offer was not unanimous. Fort Liard Chief Harry Deneron 
spoke in support of the proposed settlement, urging Norwegian and the 
other leaders to seriously consider it.

"It really bothers me to see our negotiator say, 'Well, we're going to 
stand by our guns. What's another two years?' " said Deneron.

"If you think you can stop the pipeline, think again."

Kakisa is located about 235 kilometres southwest of Yellowknife.
-- 
Macdonald Stainsby
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In the contradiction lies the hope
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