Tracy Kovalench
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 19/98) - Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Phil Fontaine wants Northern Dene to get more involved in national issues.

And he wants that involvement to be better co-ordinated.

"We need to commit ourselves to speaking with one voice," Fontaine said at the Dene National Assembly Wednesday afternoon on the shores of the Yellowknife River.

Fontaine's presentation focused on the federal government's $350-million healing fund as well as alternative compensation sought by residential school survivors.

He also discussed the First Nations' agenda for action -- under the slogan of Gathering Strength -- which focuses on improving Ottawa's relationship with Aboriginal peoples.

"There are so many issues common to all First Nations," said Fontaine. "There is so much to be gained by "being unified, being together."

After listening to delegates speak, Fontaine said the best approach to dealing with many of their problems, such as lack of housing and devastating suicides, is through open negotiations and the media, rather than the courts.

The themes of unification and communication emerged repeatedly in several sessions during Wednesday's proceedings.

Eighty-nine registered delegates, more than 50 volunteers and countless observers filled the assembly's meeting area for its second day.

Representatives from communities in the Akaitcho, Deh Cho and Sahtu regions presented regional reports, expressing concerns about education, the environment and the recent gun control legislation.

Each region will hold its own assembly to discuss and motions from the National Assembly.

Concerns over updates on last year's motions were put forward by Lutselk'e Chief Florence Catholique. Dene Grand Chief Erasmus agreed that periodic updates on this year's motions should be distributed throughout the year to improve communication across the territories.