Tracy Kovalench
Northern News Services

LUTSELK'E (Aug 03/98) - Treaties, provincial boundaries and the nation's transportation system may divide them, but they won't stop Chipewyan from crossing the nation to meet in Lutselk'e this week.

People from Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the NWT have doubled the population of Lutselk'e to about 600 during this week's Denesoline Unity Gathering, which began Friday.

"Our main objective is the rebuilding the Chipewyan Nation," says co-ordinator Ray Griffith, noting that this gathering is the first of its kind in the NWT.

In addition to unity through a new organizational structure, delegates are scheduled to discuss Chipewyan history, education, health, the environment and mineral resource development.

The gathering will also celebrate Denesoline (Chipewyan) culture through drum dances, storytelling, feasts, traditional games and caribou and muskox hunting.

As this year's host community, the people of Lutselk'e have cleared a camping area and will provide all visitors with three free meals a day. The community raised about $67,000 through bingos, concession sales and corporate sponsorship. They have also received an additional $13,000 from the GNWT.

After closing ceremonies Thursday, the Chipewyan have invited people of all nations to join them in the Desnedhe Che Spiritual Pilgrimage to the Ts'akui Theda Waterfalls near Fort Reliance.

"It's a spiritual, religious and cultural event everyone is invited to," says Griffith, adding, aboriginal groups from as far away as New Mexico and Arizona as well as Rae-Edzo, Fort Resolution and Yellowknife are expected to take part in the spiritual gathering, which is open to all religions.