Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (July 19/02) - After two days of redrafting the Dene Nation's constitution and bylaws, delegates were unanimous in endorsing the organization.

The revised constitution will allow the regions to define citizenship within the Dene Nation and it establishes an elders council.

Last week's assembly also marked the official return of the Dogrib, Gwich'in and Sahtu regions.

Deh Cho chiefs applauded the show of unity.

Host Chief Rita Cli said the Dene Nation has effectively told the world it's a powerful entity.

"We when pull together we are a strong leadership," said Cli.

Tthek'ehdeli Chief Stan Sanguez said the Dene Nation can now act as a unified voice on issues such as Dene health care, education and funding.

"I think that was one of the most significant moments since the 1993 fall of the Dene Nation," Sanguez said.

"Now we need to reunite and fight for those very principles that we believe are our treaties."

Sanguez did express regret that more motions couldn't be passed, though, as quorum was lost by Friday.

Ka'a'gee Tu Chief Lloyd Chicot said he feels the Dene Nation is "more together now than in the past."

However, he stated that the organization shouldn't be waiting on regions to implement self government before it asserts itself.

The right to self government is guaranteed through Section 35 of the Canadian Charter, said Chicot.

"I don't think you need to negotiate that at the table," he said, adding that individuals should also assert themselves more.

"Come and say, 'We're Dene, this is our nation and this is what it means to be Dene,' " he said.