Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 06/98) - Treaty 11 Dene will likely not be claiming any lands within Yellowknife city limits, but it will be some time before it becomes clear just what lands Treaty 8 Dene have in mind.

Those close to treaty negotiations had little else in the way of answers for aldermen curious about the impact land claims will have on the city.

Charles Overvold, executive director of the territorial government's claims division, and James Lawrence, the federal government's chief negotiator on the Dogrib claim, addressed council at Monday's committee of the whole meeting.

"We're really not quite sure what could happen here," said Lawrence, referring to outstanding claims in the North Slave region.

Lawrence and Overvold said federal and aboriginal representatives are trying to bring some consistency in approaches to negotiations in the North Slave and in the Mackenzie Valley.

Asked by Bob Brooks if lands within the city have been identified in any land claims yet, Overvold replied, "There hasn't been yet, partly because I don't think the Yellowknives know what process they want to get involved in."

Lawrence said the Yellowknives are now pursuing a claim based on their original treaty, "with, quite frankly, not a lot of success."

"This is not going to be quick, is it?" asked Mayor Dave Lovell.

"No," replied Overvold.

Lawrence said the Dogrib, Treaty 11, will likely not be claiming lands within the city.

"The subject has been discussed, and the Dogrib have agreed they will not claim lands within Yellowknife," said Lawrence.

"I don't foresee that changing at all. Their block could come a significant distance down the highway for some people's liking, but I don't see it crossing Boundary Creek."

Overvold said one reason the Dogrib are not considering claiming property within city limits is that it might then conflict with the Yellowknives' claim.

Responding to questions from Ald. Kevin O'Reilly, Overvold explained that any lands within a municipality that are included in a claim would be subject to city bylaws, with a few exceptions.

"Land selected within communities is collectively held by the aboriginal group rather than by an individual," said Overvold. "If there are no services to that land, the group would not pay any taxes on it."

Overvold assured O'Reilly the city would be involved in any negotiations for land within its boundaries.