Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 23/01) - The Yellowknives Dene and the city of Yellowknife will begin serious talks next Thursday to deal with a series of outstanding issues the Ndilo and Dettah chiefs want resolved.

"We have no (serious) contact with the city except during election time," said Yellowknives Dettah Chief Richard Edjericon of Ndilo.

Edjericon and Dettah chief Peter Liske work jointly on issues facing Yellowknives Dene.

Edjericon said they are contemplating asking that federal money the city gets in lieu of Ndilo taxes be redirected back into the Yellowknives' community. "We are not getting the proper services for the money they get," said Edjericon. "We'd like our roads fixed, a park and playing field with green grass."

"Every month our communities contribute $2.1 million to the city in economic activity," added Edjericon.

Edjericon said the city never consults the band when drafting plans. He pointed to the waterfront strategy, which includes potential First Nation lands held by the territorial government until the completion of land claims.

The city currently provides ambulance services, snow plowing, gravel services and fire trucks. It recently signed a deal for fire services in Dettah. Edjericon would like to negotiate a deal with the city to cover those issues and others, such as an aboriginal city councillor.

Yellowknife Mayor Gord Van Tighem said the city tried to meet with the Yellowknives but conflicting schedules forced constant postponements.

Van Tighem called next week's meeting an important first step, and said he understands Edjericon's concerns.

"He's in the midst of negotiations and it's to his benefit to ensure he has the most options," said Van Tighem."On the other side in this discussion, the GNWT has the city of Yellowknife's wishes and desires."

Van Tighem said for Ndilo, which has a population of about 300, the city currently collects $70,000 through a grant in lieu of taxes from the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. This figure is boosted to $106,000 when the city takes into account the taxpayers in the community.

He said the city spends $200,000 a year to service Ndilo.

Coun. Alan Woytuik said he'd like to get talks going with the Yellowknives.

"They are part of the community and we need to work with them," said Woytuik.

Woytuik said he's been in Ndilo several times but not in an official capacity. "I never received an invitation," said Woytuik.

Coun. Robert Hawkins said Ndilo needs to better define itself for issues to move forward.

"If the community knew they were strictly part of Yellowknife then I don't think (there would be two councils)," said Hawkins.

"But if they're not being treated fairly we need to straighten things out," said Hawkins.

Edjericon said tractors plowed the homes and hunting cabins of his people to build Yellowknife. Van Tighem said an appointed aboriginal councillor is a negotiable item considering the makeup of city council is under review.