Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Lutsel K'e (Jun 19/00) - Another First Nation is a step closer to a land claims settlement.

Heralded with a drum dance and feast, Akaitcho Treaty 8 chiefs and representatives of the federal and territorial government signed a framework agreement June 13.

It's a positive step forward in talks that haven't always been smooth.

In May 1999, negotiations fell apart. The parties couldn't agree on the role of the GNWT and the exclusion clause.

"It's because of (the Akaitcho chiefs) that we have gotten this far," said Hugh Richardson, chief negotiator for the GNWT.

"Their leadership pushed for this to happen during their centenary celebrations," said Richardson.

This year marks the 100 anniversary of the signing of Treaty 8.

"There's been a lot of work done to get this far," said Lutsel K'e Chief Felix Lockhart, who's also Akaitcho grand chief.

"We approached MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew last November, and she arranged a meeting with (Minister of Indian Affairs) Robert Nault and things just went from there," he said.

One of the results of those meetings was the appointment of new federal negotiator John Gill, who had once worked for the Dene-Metis alliance as an environmental lawyer.

"From our perspective, this is a very positive thing," said Gill.

The next step will be the signing of the agreement by Nault, GNWT Indian Affairs Minister Jim Antoine and the Akaitcho chiefs.

The signing will take place amid pomp and ceremony on July 25, the centennial anniversary of the Treaty 8 signing.

Official talks toward an agreement in principle will begin in late September.

The Akaitcho chiefs are pushing for a quick settlement.

"I think we can have a final agreement ratified in 18 months," said Lockhart.

"It's very important for us to take care of ourselves and stop being a burden to Canada," he added.

The framework agreement was signed by Gill, Richardson, Fred Sangris (Yellowknives Dene), Patrick Simon (Deninu Kue) and James Marlowe on behalf of Akaitcho chief negotiator Sharon Venne.

A political accord was also signed between Antoine and the Akaitcho chiefs.

The accord is a separate document.