SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
More aboriginal groups have signed on to devolution at a joint ceremony in Yellowknife.

Chief Frieda Martselos, left, of Salt River First Nation in Fort Smith signed the devolution agreement in a ceremony attended by Premier Bob McLeod. - Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo

On May 26, Salt River First Nation of Fort Smith, Deninu Ku'e First Nation of Fort Resolution, and Acho Dene Koe First Nation and the Fort Liard Metis Local #67 – which jointly signed for Fort Liard – became parties to the devolution agreement.

Earlier this year, that devolution deal transferred responsibility for management of public land, water and resources from Ottawa to the GNWT.

Representatives of the new members of the devolution family gathered at the Legislative Assembly for the latest signing ceremony.

“This is a historic day for the Salt River First Nation," said Chief Frieda Martselos. "The signing of the devolution agreement has been a work in progress, and today we are accomplishing our Salt River First Nation mandate as a separate entity with the Government of the Northwest Territories.”

Martselos said she wants members of Salt River First Nation to keep progressing and moving forward from the day of the signing, adding, "We also believe in balanced development."

Deninu Ku'e Sub-Chief Robert Sayine said he was happy and proud to sign the agreement on behalf of Chief Louis Balsillie.

Sayine said the devolution agreement is so future generations can live a good life.

"Today, here is an opportunity that I see with devolution of land and resources," he said.

Sayine noted he was glad to hear Premier Bob McLeod talk at the signing ceremony of the GNWT working with aboriginal governments.

"I think that has been needed for a long time," said the sub-chief, noting it has often been the federal or territorial governments versus aboriginal governments. "Everybody knows what I am talking about. It has always been that way before. So I am here today and very happy to be here to make the best thing out of this devolution."

Aboriginal governments have never been against development, said Sayine. "What we have always said is that development and everything that comes with it must be done right."

Deninu Ku'e First Nation is a member of the Akaitcho Territory Government, which has not signed the devolution agreement. The deal has also not yet been signed by Dehcho First Nations.

Two people signed on May 26 on behalf of Fort Liard – Chief Harry Deneron of the Acho Dene Koe First Nation and Ernie McLeod, president of the Fort Liard Metis Local #67.

Premier McLeod welcomed the new parties to the devolution agreement.

"It is a good day for the people these aboriginal governments represent, and for the people of the Northwest Territories," he said.

Devolution had been a goal of the people and the GNWT for many years, he noted. "We are pleased to see our partnership grow today and welcome the additional strength that the Acho Dene Koe First Nation and Fort Liard Metis, Salt River First Nation and Deninu Ku'e will bring to it."

McLeod expressed hope that all aboriginal governments will join the devolution agreement.

"To that end, we continue to work with remaining aboriginal governments to find ways to welcome their participation that are consistent with the goals and values of each party," he said. "Today’s signing reflects that work and underlines our commitment to creating effective Northern partnerships that will benefit all our people."

McLeod said the GNWT has long believed that decisions about the North need to be made by the people those decisions affect.

"The people who live here and know this land the best are the ones best placed to decide how we should manage our land and resources, according to Northern priorities and values," he said.

Along with more powers, the GNWT gained access to new sources of revenue through devolution.

"To ensure that as many people as possible enjoy the benefits of devolution, our government has committed to sharing a portion of those revenues with participating aboriginal governments," noted McLeod. "We have also created the Intergovernmental Council that will give participating governments new opportunities for working together on land management."

The Northwest Territories Devolution Act came into force on April 1.

Bernard Valcourt, the federal minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued a statement welcoming and congratulating the new signatories.

"We will continue to work closely with our partners in the Northwest Territories to encourage other regional and local aboriginal communities to become parties to the devolution agreement," Valcourt stated.

The new signatories join the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Northwest Territory Metis Nation, the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, the Gwich’in Tribal Council and the Tlicho Government as parties to devolution, along with the GNWT and the federal government.

The Dehcho First Nations, three members of the Akaitcho First Nations – Dettah, Ndilo and Lutsel K'e Dene Nation – remain the only aboriginal governments to have not signed the agreement.

- with files from Simon Whitehouse