Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Fort Smith (July 01/02) - A major step has been taken toward a Metis land claim settlement in the South Slave, despite the objections of First Nations in the area.

An interim measures agreement was signed in Fort Smith on June 22, creating a process by which the South Slave Metis will be consulted on development in the area they claim while negotiations proceed.

Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Robert Nault described the interim approach as a step in building a relationship and moving forward.

"It's important that we enter into agreements that show progress," Nault said.

Just days before the signing, the Akaitcho Territory wrote Nault requesting he not sign the agreement with the Metis, claiming it was a violation of Akaitcho treaty rights.

"No, I didn't consider not signing it," Nault said after the signing ceremony in Fort Smith. "We have to make progress at individual tables based on their merit."

The minister said he recognizes there are overlaps and other issues between different groups. "Those will have to be settled and worked out in partnership and building of relationships. But not settling and moving forward isn't the answer to this."

Nault doesn't think the Metis interim measures agreement will affect the Akaitcho claim.

The Metis signing also occurred on the same day the Salt River First Nation signed a treaty land entitlement agreement with the federal government.

Nault left the Metis ceremony and headed straight for the SRFN signing, and invited Metis to also celebrate with the SRFN. "When all is said and done, we're all going to have to work together and we're all going to have to celebrate our successes. We're also going to have to find a way to be friends and to be supportive of each other."

Robert Tordiff, the president of the South Slave Metis Tribal Council, also had a conciliatory message, pointing out to the ministers that Metis have always lived side-by-side with their Dene relatives. "We have a close relationship with them and will continue to have a close relationship with them, regardless of the politics or the technical issues that arise."