Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Monday, July 23, 2007

BEHCHOKO - By plane, car, and boat, more than 2,000 Dene gathered in Behchoko last week for the National Dene Assembly and Tlicho government session July 16 to 20.

This was the first time the Dene National Assembly was paired with a Tlicho government session, giving the attendees an opportunity to see the self-governing Tlicho caucus in action.

Through presentations and meetings, talk of tradition and culture was paired with visions of change and development.

The importance of maintaining traditional ways was a theme referred to throughout the week.

"Even though a constitution is in place, you have to remember your traditional values," said Joe Rabesca, former Tlicho Grand Chief. "Elders have always told us if we go a different trail it's OK. But if it's our constitution that puts us on a different trail, that's not OK."

With the sitting of the Tlicho assembly in the middle of the week, talk of self-government rang strong as Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus talked about a Dene constitution.

"The NWT act is an old document that was not put together by our people," Erasmus told the assembly.

After a presentation by Gabrielle Mackenzie-Scott of the Mackenzie Land and Water Board, a few speakers questioned the validity of the board.

Liidlii Kue First Nation Chief Keyna Norwegian told of an incident where their feedback included in a MLWB report was rejected by the government.

"Is it really reasonable to have this board in place if they have no authority?" she asked.

Speakers spoke often about the importance of educating and preparing the youth. Former North of 60 star Dakota House talked about trying to keep the youth away from drugs and alcohol with his organization Going MILES.

"We have to be proud of our skills and the talents we have," said House, with his two-year-old son Dredon at his side.

The challenge of maintaining traditional culture in the modern realm of government was encapsulated in response to the proposed alternative dispute resolution.

Still in the works, the method would give First Nations a place to settle disagreements outside of court. The topic drew reflections on how communities have dealt with conflicts of the past.

"Too often we are incredibly brutal with each other and with our leaders," said Stephen Kakfwi, who chaired the assembly.

The next Dene National Assembly will be held in Fort McPherson in 2008.