Rae-Edzo (July 07/03) - Tlicho citizens will have to sign up to benefit from the new land claims and self-government agreement.

Similar to the voting process, any Tlicho has to register to become a citizen and benefit from the agreement.

Rae grand chief Joe Rabesca chats with a group of people prior to the announcement of the Tlicho Agreement vote. - Yose Cormier/NNSL photo

"We have to do this so we know the exact number of citizens who can benefit from the agreement," said Eddie Erasmus, chairperson of the Tlicho eligibility committee.

The territorial and federal governments must give approval to the agreement, but that shouldn't be a problem.

"We're going to pass it," said John B. Zoe, chief negotiator, on behalf of the GNWT, on June 27 after the vote was announced.

An official signing ceremony will take place on August 22, which will coincide with the 82nd anniversary of the Treaty 11 signing.

But what does the agreement all mean for the Tlicho? What are the benefits of this land claims agreement?

- The Tlicho government will receive $152 million over 15 years as well as royalties from mining in the area.

- The agreement marks 39,000 sqare km. as Wek'eezhii, management area of the Tlicho land. Tlicho lands will surround the four communities involved: Behcho Ko (Rae) Wha Ti, Gameti and Wekweti, stretching north close to Great Bear Lake and the Sahtu settlement area.

- The agreement provides Tlicho the right to harvest all species of wildlife throughout the Mowhi Gogha De Nutlee (the traditional area of the Tlicho dating back to Treaty 11 signed in 1921, and a bit larger than the Wek'eezhii) at all times of the year.

- Tlicho have the exclusive right to harvest wildlife that are furbearers on Tlicho lands or in a Tlicho community at all times of the year.

- The agreement gives Tlicho rights to establish and maintain hunting, trapping and fishing camps established primarily for use by Tlicho citizens.

- Individual Tlicho will continue to pay taxes as they do now.

- The Tlicho government will not pay income tax or GST.

- A national park preserving and protecting the natural areas in Tlicho lands is also in the plans from this agreement.