Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Ndilo (Nov 25/02) - Even a few weeks ago, this didn't seem possible.

But after 11 days of meetings, Akaitcho Territory Dene First Nations and Tlicho (Dogrib) First Nation initialled an agreement in Ndilo Tuesday afternoon, and promised to work together.

"It's been many years since we sat in a room together and talked about the future," said Ndilo Chief Darrel Beaulieu. "We can move forward."

Dettah Chief Richard Edjericon called the initialling a historic day for everyone. "Today we are united," he said."We're going to be a very, very strong people to contend with."

Tlicho Grand Chief Joe Rabesca said he always kept the Dene in mind, while first settling boundary issues with other First Nations.

"We've had shared land for many years. Why do we say this is mine and not want to share?" he said. "I'm very happy we're sitting in one room saying the same thing: we want to help each other."

Kind words flowed back and forth between chiefs from across the territory, and they thanked elders and everyone who worked on the agreement.

They were met with applause and whistles from the crowd. Many in the audience rose to their feet.

Then, everyone formed a giant circle around the room, and the singing, dancing and feasting began.

The agreement establishes a shared use area in an area known as the "Y zone" that extends northeast of Boundary Creek into the barrenlands to the Nunavut border.

Otherwise, the boundary between Tlicho and Akaitcho territory lies at Boundary Creek.

Both groups maintain hunting rights on the other's land, said Rick Edjericon.

The big bone of contention for the Akaitcho First Nation was the eastern Wek'eezhii border, which Akaitcho wanted moved west all the way to boundary creek. This, the Tlicho First Nation conceded, and they relinquished the authority to set up management boards in this area.

"The Tlicho people understood our concerns," said Beaulieu.

Lawyers and elders will review the agreement before an official signing takes place in Rae-Edzo on Nov. 26.