Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

Fort Resolution (Aug 04/00) - Mackenzie Delta MLA David Krutko attended the 30th annual Dene National Assembly in Fort Resolution because as he sees it, the Dene Nation is still an important political voice of the Dene people.

The organization was under fire at the assembly for not adequately representing its membership -- the NWT's 29 Dene communities.

"We do need the support of other First Nations on issues such as problems we're seeing on treaty rights and also on environmental and harvesting rights," said Krutko.

"I think it's important that we understand that these problems don't just affect one area or region. We have to understand what other Dene First Nations are dealing with throughout the NWT."

He pointed out that major developments such as the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline and the federal government's gun control regulations will have an impact on every region of the NWT.

"When you talk about territorial issues we all have to be represented and the Dene Nation is the only mechanism available to dialogue on these issues. There are many areas where I feel we need a centralized organization."

At the assembly, incumbent Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus was re-elected to a three-year term. Krutko said that will be a good thing for the Dene Nation.

"He's been able to hold the Dene Nation together over the years and he has earned the respect of the elders of our community. He has put so much heart and soul into this organization and he should be commended for that," said Krutko.

"We've seen problems with political institutions in the North and I think these political positions are often thankless jobs. Nowadays, more than ever, we're losing many of our elderly leaders. The problem they have is there is never the certainty that the revenues and resources will be there to carry on with the tasks the membership expects you to do."

The Gwitch'in pulled their membership out of the Dene Nation to pursue their own land claim with the federal government in 1993. Individual Dene from the communities are still considered members of the Dene Nation and can participate if they wish.

Charlie Snowshoe is a Gwitch'in elder who has been involved in Northern politics since he was a young man. He was at the assembly to show his support.

"I'm going to go back to my region and start pounding the heck out of my leaders," said Snowshoe.

"In all the organizations you come across, there are ups and downs. I've never had a problem with the Dene Nation and I know the elders feel the same way. We have to keep going."

Delegates attending the Dene National Assembly agreed the organization remains relevant and voted to strike a committee of chiefs from the regions who will develop recommendations for its future direction.