Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 02/00) - Tourism operators are concerned their livelihoods may be at stake when the Dogrib Settlement Agreement is finalized.

Although the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) has assured "existing interests will continue and are unaffected by the land withdrawal" of 40,000 square kilometres, tourism operators say they have been overlooked.

"When I doublechecked it, they told me all this referred to was mineral claims and not tourism," said Boyd Warner, owner of Bathurst Inlet Lodge and Arctic Services.

"No one seems to have brought it forward. DIAND and the Dogribs say the GNWT has to take care of it but I'm a little frustrated that up until this point no one has been returning any of my phone calls."

The GNWT did schedule a meeting hours after they were contacted by News/North on this issue. It has been set for Oct. 10.

Warner is concerned about a lack of consistency in treaty negotiations. He said finalized land claims in Nunavut haven't affected his company but he worries the current exclusion of tourism interests may be setting precedent.

"If this is the way they're treating tourism opportunities, what happens when they settle over here?" he said, referring to the Akaitcho land claim.

"If (the GNWT) is not taking (usage of the land) away it is certainly changing the rules. Now, they want (Dogrib) consent where they never wanted it before. Maybe they can legally do that but I doubt it."

Chief Federal Negotiator for the Dogrib Treaty 11 claim said the issue is simple.

"Once the land becomes Dogrib there will definitely be an impact on tourism," said Jean-Yves Assiniwi. "His licences would not be taken away but he wouldn't be allowed on private land without Dogrib consent."

The GNWT admits this particular negotiation process is different than others.

"It's my understanding the negotiations with the Dogrib people have resulted in things that are slightly different than other land claims," said Bob Bailey, assistant deputy minister of RWED operations.

Minster Joe Handley could not be reached for comment.

Warner said his dissatisfaction lies with the GNWT who, up until this point, have not taken any measures to protect tourism interests and its future growth.

"We are not angry at all with the Dogribs and are supportive of land negotiations," he said. "But we need to see consent defined. If they've just neglected to deal with it that's fine, let's deal with it now."

Bathurst Inlet Lodge and Developments operates under ecotourism as well as big game hunting licenses. Its operating areas blanket both the Dogrib and Yellowknives Dene lands.The Dogrib treaty is expected to be finalized within two years.