Terry Kruger
Northern News Services

Rae-Edzo (Jan 17/00) - Leaders of the Dogrib First Nation say an Agreement in Principle (AIP) that couples land claims and self-government in a treaty with the federal and territorial governments builds a solid foundation for future generations.

Chiefs from the four Dogrib communities, MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew and Premier Jim Antoine signed the AIP during a Jan. 7 ceremony attended by about 300 members of the band.

"Look around you," Grand Chief Joe Rabesca told the many young people attending the ceremony, "this is all for you."

Chief Archie Wetrade (Gameti/Rae Lakes) characterized the signing as "a new age for Dogrib people.

"We can begin to build a strong future."

The AIP is the first of its kind in the North, combining a land-claim settlement with an agreement on self-government.

Antoine and Blondin-Andrew said the AIP is a key document to developing the North.

"This is a proud day for everyone in the Northwest Territories as we celebrate this important step in the development of the Dogrib comprehensive claim and in the development of new forms of governance in the North," said Antoine.

Blondin-Andrew, representing Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Robert Nault, said the AIP and the subsequent final agreement are important for the North and the Dogribs.

"Land-claims settlements create a positive and stable climate for investment, and self-government is the basis for creating stable, self-reliant aboriginal governments that can participate in the economic growth of the NWT and Canada," said Blondin-Andrew.

Signing of the AIP continues a process begun by the Dogribs in 1992.

The AIP gives the First Nation:

- A single block of approximately 39,000 square kilometres of land, including subsurface resources, in a region around the four Dogrib communities of Rae-Edzo, Wha Ti, Gameti (Rae Lakes), and Wekweti (Snare Lake). Boundaries have yet to be determined.

- Until the final agreement comes into effect, no new mining rights will be granted in approximately 13,000 square kilometres of land surrounding the four Dogrib communities.

- The Dogrib First Nation government will receive $90 million, as well as a share of resource royalties collected annually by government from activities in the Mackenzie Valley.

- The AIP "recognizes" a wide range of law-making powers on Dogrib lands and over the approximately 3,000 Dogrib citizens. The First Nation will also negotiate for the joint delivery of health care, education and other social programs and services.