We're trying to be straightforward: Aitken
Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Fort Simpson (Feb 16/01) - Three members of the Liidlii Kue First Nation say they are suspicious of the federal government's motives in self-government negotiations.
During a public information session last Sunday, Gerry Antoine, Jonas Antoine and Arnold Hope criticized the Interim Measures Agreement (IMA) that the Deh Cho First Nations (DCFN) has arrived at with the federal government.
The document has not been ratified, but it could be initialled as early as this week at a leadership assembly in Fort Providence.
Hope and the Antoines questioned whether the federal government is really seeking to treat the Deh Cho Process as a comprehensive land claim.
"I feel we have been led into a comprehensive arrangement... I don't like that," said Jonas Antoine.
Hope added, "Why are we asked to sign a document for lands that we know are ours?"
Federal negotiator Robin Aitken, who was present at the public forum, reassured the 35 people in attendance that the federal government is not setting a trap.
"We're trying to be straightforward. We're not trying to fool anybody," Aitken said.
He noted that a number of bureaucrats in Ottawa are quite uncomfortable with the direction of negotiations to date because they are charting a new course.
However, Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Robert Nault has insisted on giving negotiations a chance despite the DCFN's demand for an unprecedented agreement that will not result in extinguishment of aboriginal and treaty rights.
Elder Mary Cazon asked why the First Nations should open the lands to development when the federal government reaps the vast majority of the benefits and problems relating to drugs and alcohol seem to proliferate.
"If we love our kids, don't think of the money," she told the DCFN negotiating team.
Fort Simpson resident Randy Sibbeston expressed concerns about the DCFN's objective to create a Dene public government that he contended would be "racially exclusive."
He said the federal government recognizes the GNWT because it is an open and accountable government, whereas, he argued, Canada won't give much credence to "a small enclave of people way out in the boonies" if everyone isn't eligible to vote and run for office.
"It's demeaning to me... I just want you to know that it's my future too," he said, adding that people are often bickering over who qualifies as a Dene and who does not. "Political solidarity is so badly needed here."
Grand Chief Michael Nadli said the DCFN's chiefs are aware of that conflict, but they will not overlook the intent of the treaties signed by their ancestors.
"Our society and the way we govern ourselves should remain intact too. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case," Nadli said.
