Daniel MacIsaac
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 03/99) - Yellowknife North MLA Roy Erasmus had words of warning for the Dogrib Treaty 11 community in the legislative assembly this week.

Erasmus said Monday he'd been informed that the Dogrib would soon be signing an agreement-in-principle with the federal government over their land claim in the North Slave region.

But the MLA complained that the agreement shouldn't proceed until the claim boundaries are settled to the satisfaction of the Dogrib band's neighbours. Erasmus said that in the case of the Yellowknives First Nations, the communities of Dettah and Ndilo actually lie within the Dogrib settlement boundaries.

"All First Nations usually celebrate when a land claim is finalized and even when an agreement-in-principle is signed," Erasmus told the assembly. "In this instance, unless a boundary is established between the Dogrib Treaty 11 people and their neighbours before their agreement-in-principle is signed, the only ones celebrating will be Dogrib Treaty 11 -- their neighbours may be preparing a law suit."

Speaking Tuesday from Rae-Edzo, Dogrib Nation Grand Chief Joe Rabesca said he was trying to set up a meeting with Yellowknives Dettah Chief Jonas Sangris, and he added that Erasmus had reacted prematurely.

"He's getting ahead of himself, and should be careful," Rabesca said.

Rabesca said he's already spoke to Ndilo Chief Fred Sangris and that he would soon be meeting with federal negotiators.

For his part, Erasmus countered by claiming the Rae-Edzo band chief has spoke of talks in the past, but with little result.

"He's been arranging talks, or saying he's arranging talks, since 1993," Erasmus said. "I was just hoping the federal government would get involved because it's not only Yellowknife that's affected but also Lutsel K'e and Fort Resolution and most of their neighbours."