ACHO DENE KOE/FORT LIARD - Almost a year ago the Acho Dene Koe First Nation signed a framework agreement with the federal and territorial governments allowing it to negotiate its own lands claim.

July 14 is the one year anniversary of the signing and all three parties say they're pleased with the progress that's been made.

It's been a year since Acho Dene Koe First Nation signed a framework agreement with the federal and territorial governments. On July 14, 2008 Chief Steve Kotchea watched as Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl signed the agreement. - NNSL file photo

"It's going well," said Chief Steve Kotchea of the Acho Dene Koe First Nation (ADK).

When the agreement was first signed Kotchea said he had some concerns because the band was going against the grain by separating from the Dehcho Process and the Dehcho First Nations.

"I didn't know how we'd be able to survive the first year," he said.

There are now some developments to be proud of, said Kotchea. At the top of the list is the offer Canada made to ADK on March 28. Canada offered surface and sub-surface rights to 6,474 square kilometres as well as a monetary amount that Kotchea didn't disclose.

The land amount is based on ADK's proportional share by population of the revised offer Canada gave the Dehcho First Nations in 2008.

"We're pretty pleased about it," said Kotchea.

"I didn't expect that so soon."

The community should also be proud of the negotiation team, he said. The band's brought together a lot of people in the community and is also partnering with the Fort Liard Metis Local in the negotiations. Community members have been very supportive in helping the negotiations move forward, said Kotchea.

"I think the most important part of this is people," he said.

Kotchea said leaving the Dehcho Process was the right one for the ADK.

The band's traditional land in B.C. and the Yukon was the primary concern and Dehcho First Nations wouldn't negotiate for that, he said. Kotchea himself was born in Francois, B.C.

"My biggest concern is losing that part of our heritage," he said.

The band is negotiating for land within the territory before looking at the areas across its borders.

The first nation is currently negotiating towards an agreement in principle to address a number of issues including land quantum and selection, financial payments, wildlife harvesting, public and community government and issues relating to ADK Metis settlement lands and beneficiaries. In a second phase of negotiations that will start after the agreement has been in place for 10 years, or sooner if the parties agree, broader self-government issues will be addressed.

The three parties have set a target of the spring of 2010 to reach an agreement in principle, said Steve Iveson, the chief negotiator for the territorial government.

"We're optimistic we can meet this target," Iveson said.

The parties have been making good progress, he said.

Tim Christian, the chief negotiator for the federal government, said he's also pleased with the progress.

"I think everyone's working pretty hard to get an agreement done," he said.

The three parties met in Fort Liard from July 7 to 9 for a negotiation session. It was the second time a session has been held in the community.