SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the city have been in talks that could eventually see Jolliffe Island become a heritage park controlled by the city.

Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the city are in talks to make Jolliffe Island, centre right, a heritage park. - Shane Magee/NNSL photo

The island has been identified as part of the Akaitcho land claim.

According to Jeff Humble, the city's director of planning and development, the First Nation would remove the land from the claim and transfer it to the city in exchange for land elsewhere within municipal boundaries.

"The thought was that if our interests are mutual, why not have a trust arrangement between the parties so that it would remain a park space, perhaps with a traditional cultural overlay, that would identify the YKDFN interests," he said.

A request for comment from Yellowknives Dene was not returned.

Dettah chief Ed Sangris told another media outlet last month the First Nation proposed a partnership with the city. It would the First Nation promoting tourism, culture and traditions on the island.

Humble said the Akaitcho negotiations with the federal government are ongoing and a deal has yet to be finalized.

The island has already been zoned as parks and recreation by the city, although there are people who live on the island.

"As it stands right now, the city doesn't really have any jurisdiction to engage or deal with those informal settlements on the island," Humble said.

He said the idea so far is to have the city, YKDFN and the territorial government work out something regarding the informal settlements.

Several residents who live on the island declined to comment about the heritage park idea.

The deal could have implications on the houseboat community, as many have been set up around the edge of the island.

Humble said resolving questions around the island would come before dealing with potentially more regulations for houseboats.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.