The second in a two-part series with Deh Cho First Nations chief negotiator Chris Reid examining the aspirations of the DCFN in self-government negotiations over next several years.
Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Fort Simpson (Jun 15/01) - The Draft Framework Agreement, signed late last month, identifies more than 40 topics for negotiation, including housing, health, education, taxation, forestry, a constitution and financing for self-government.
Canada and the DCFN have agreed in principle that particular subject matters can be implemented incrementally prior to the signing of a final agreement, says DCFN chief negotiator Chris Reid.
The DCFN is seeking to assume partial or total control of many programs, but recognize that the federal and territorial governments will still have roles to play in the future, according to Reid.
"The goal is that the Deh Cho government will be the primary government, but the framework doesn't say that the Deh Cho will be the only government. It's not going to be an autonomous state here," he says.
For example, federal currency and the federal postal service will almost certainly remain in place. Reid also suggests that the territorial government may continue to maintain the roads in the region. "What we do know is that the primary government, especially for lands and resources management, will be a Deh Cho government -- that's essential."
Local government
The composition of a regional government and community governments is unclear at this time, Reid acknowledges. However, there will be a political role for non-Dene residents in the Deh Cho, he suggests.
"We want them involved ... at the end of the process we want something that they fully buy into as well, something they'll be part of," he says, noting that Hay River town council has been involved in negotiating sessions and the village of Fort Simpson has also requested a meeting.
For the purposes of self-government, Metis have been divided into two categories. Those of Dene descent whose ancestors lived in the Deh Cho prior to Treaty 11 of 1921 have the same status of Dene with Indian Act status, Reid says.
Metis who have migrated to the Deh Cho over the past few decades are essentially considered non-Dene, he notes.
It's possible political power may be reserved for those who are long-time residents of the region, Reid says. Such a policy would address the concern that transient oil and gas workers may, at some point, account for the bulk of the local population.
Whatever the constitution of local and regional governments, it will have to be consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Generally there are few conflicts between Dene values and customs and the Canadian Charter, but a situation where the grand chief is granted another term in office at the wishes of the elders -- as occurred at the Deh Cho Assembly in Kakisa last year -- could raise an issue, Reid suggests.
"On the surface, that might conflict with the Charter guarantee of the right to vote," he says. "But, again, there's been no discussion about that."
