Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 19/01) - The federal government and a territorial band on the verge of launching court action against an exclusive Northern lodge they say bulldozed a graveyard will meet next month to discuss solutions.

The two parties will meet in Yellowknife on Dec 17.

"We want to develop a co-operative plan," said Annette McRobert, manager of land administration and acting director of operations with DIAND.

Bob Overvold, DIAND regional director, and McRobert will meet with the band.

The band claims workers from Plummer's Great Slave Lake Lodge on Taltheilei Narrows bulldozed a graveyard extending a runway in the early 1980s. The lodge denies the allegation.

The band is seeking compensation and is considering legal action.

"We'll see what happens (at the meeting)," said band chief Archie Catholique.

Despite various visits by DIAND officials, historical researches and former territorial Premier Don Morin, on one found evidence of destroyed sites, but no one checked beneath the gravel extension.

Tom Andrews, territorial archaeologist, said the parties could find out what's under the extension by using a ground penetrating radar.

The radar transmits a signal through the ground which deflects off anything buried.

Andrews, who works at the Prince of Wales Heritage Centre, said he didn't have the device but it could be contracted from various sources in the south.

"Some universities have the equipment," said Andrews. "It would be a matter of arranging to do the work."

Andrews said the centre could not afford to pay for it.

McRobert said the radar is an option and DIAND would foot the bill, but it's likely not to happen until the summer.

Plummer's Arctic Lodges did not return phone calls.