Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Mar 27/02) - Premier Stephen Kakfwi says Dene leaders need to help the government protect their interest in response to expected demographic shifts in the near future.

"We are about 40,000 people, 20,000 are aboriginal," said Kakfwi to Dene chiefs gathered for the Dene Nation leadership assembly in Yellowknife this week.

"If there is a dramatic increase it will change the way we do business," said Kakfwi.

Kakfwi said Dene leaders and the current government need to lock in a mandate with a vision for the next 25 years. He proposed a think-tank where the territorial government could sit with aboriginal leaders and construct a vision for their territory.

Kakfwi also said he'd like to set up a liaison between his government and the Dene Nation.

"You should be dealing straight with ministers, not directors," he said.

Kakfwi, who was flanked by Jim Antoine, Minister of Resources Wildlife and Economic Development, pledged continued co-operation between the government and the leaders.

Kakfwi's executive office hosted a dinner for the Dene Nation leadership at the Prospector Restaurant last night.