Tracy Kovalench
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 22/98) - A ceremonial fire was lit last Tuesday morning to officially open the 28th Dene National Assembly.

It burned for three days as Dene from communities in the Akaitcho, Deh Cho and Sahtu regions met to discuss regional, territorial and national issues.

This year's assembly site was beside the Yellowknife River, or Weledeh. It was chosen for its historical significance as a traditional summer camp for the T'satsaot'ine people, known now as the Yellowknives Dene. Campfires lit the area once again as residents from Dene communities such as Colville Lake and Fort Simpson arrived Monday evening. They erected mini-communities of nylon and canvas tents, neighbors for the duration of the assembly.

Dettah and Ndilo elders joined Yellowknives Dene chiefs Jonas Sangris and Fred Sangris in welcoming delegates and observers to the open-air meeting site on their land.

Opening comments by elders Jonas Fishbone and Theresa Sangris expressed concerns about uranium poisoning in Deline, fish depletion and the increase of forest fires in the Weledeh region. They also expressed concerns about the transition of lifestyle from traditional ways to a wage economy.

Meeting on the land brings issues to life, says Dene Nation Grand Chief Bill Erasmus.

"You've taught us a very important lesson," said Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Phil Fontaine. "It's so important to speak of important issues right at home." Fontaine acknowledged the NWT Dene as an inspiration for aboriginal peoples across the nation to conduct similar meetings on their land.