Tracy Kovalench
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 17/98) - Buoyed by recent court decisions strengthening aboriginal rights, Dene from across the western NWT gathered on the banks of the Yellowknife River this week for the 28th Dene National Assembly.

Opening ceremony campfires were lit Tuesday morning, though fires at the site, also known as Weledeh, have been burning since Monday night, which was designated travelling day for people coming in from outside the city for the three-day event.

By the afternoon, talk had already turned to the recent Delgamuukw decision of the Supreme Court of Canada that some Dene leaders, including Assembly of First Nations vice-chief Herb George of B.C., say is major victory for aboriginal peoples across Canada, including those in the North.

The assembly is about culture as much as politics, however. Dene Nation Grand Chief Bill Erasmus arrived on site Sunday night "to beat the crowd and get a good spot." The entire Dene Nation staff is either camping or driving out daily to assist with assembly organization.

The entire site conveys overall ideals of unity and organization.

"It brings people together to share issues, comment and learn from each other's development," said Erasmus.

Translator booths have been set up to provide translations in Dogrib, Chipewyan, South Slavey, North Slavey and English. Assembly attendees range from toddlers and active youth observers to Denendeh chiefs and elders.

Included on the agenda for today is a presentation by AFN Chief Phil Fontaine on national issues such as compensation for residential school survivors and the first nation's agenda for action-- Gathering Strength.

Thursday will include a Denendeh Development Corporation update and presentations by Francois Paulette and J.C. Catholique.

The Dene National Assembly is open to everyone. The site is located near the Yellowknife pump house just north of the Yellowknife River bridge.