Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jan 11/06) - Mayor Gord Van Tighem says the city isn't demanding a seat at the negotiating table for Commissioner's land, but wants assurances that they won't be forgotten when land is transferred to the Yellowknives Dene.

Gord Van Tighem: Yellowknife like Dr. Seuss' Whoville, "Here we are."

City council reviewed a discussion paper Monday, which spells out to the federal and territorial governments and Yellowknives Dene that the city expects access to lands given to the Dene and financial compensation for any lost tax revenue that might result.

The paper also says city wants to participate "in the land identification/selection process as it affects the city," and that the process is public.

"Dr. Seuss wrote a book called 'Horton hears a Who,' in which the Whos down in Whoville said: 'We are here, we are here.' And they got the attention of those around them," said Van Tighem.

"This is the same type a thing. We are providing the information that we, as the residents of this city and legislative operators, that this is the way we see it."

Michael McLeod, minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, is expected to divide Commissioner's Lands next month between the city and Yellowknives Dene.

The city land division is one chapter in the lengthy negotiations that continue for other lands outside the city under the Akaitcho Process.

On Monday, Coun. Blake Lyons expressed frustration with the process, which has effectively halted development for years on several land parcels within the city.

He said the city deserves a seat at the negotiating table.

"It's totally unfair," said Lyons. "I'm not shy about saying the city must be there."

The city plans to post the discussion paper on its website so the public can review it before council votes on whether to accept it two weeks from now.

Van Tighem said he has fielded many questions from the public about land selection, and feels the territorial government needs to be more open with the public on how it's evolving.

The city has publicly listed what lands it would like to receive when McLeod makes his announcement, but the Yellowknives have kept their preferences under wraps for the most part.

"What we're saying is get on with the process, and by the way, why don't you make the process more known to the general public because they're asking us what's going on," said Van Tighem.

The Yellowknives Dene could not be reached for comment.

Officials with the federal and territorial governments declined to comment.