Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (July 15/02) - The Dogrib and the Akaitcho -- long embroiled in a boundary dispute -- could be a powerful force if they worked together, says an Akaitcho chief.

"If Treaty 8 (Akaitcho) and Treaty 11 (Dogrib) worked together, we could be powerful," said Deninu K'ue Chief Robert Sayine in an interview during the Dene National Assembly in Fort Simpson last week.

"We could do a lot."

The Akaitcho and the Dogrib Nation have been fighting a decade-long dispute over a boundary.

The Akaitcho claim the Dogrib took a substantial portion of their territory in their land claim.

The Akaitcho see a boundary about 40 kilometres outside of Yellowknife as the only way to settle the dispute.

The Dogrib say they did not take any Akaitcho territory during their selection.

They recently wrapped up negotiations of their land claim and are expected to initial a final agreement on Sept. 1.

Dogrib Grand Chief Joe Rabesca said he believes the two nations could be a powerful force.

"We have so much knowledge we can share that would make us twice as strong," said Rabesca.

Rabesca said the Akaitcho can get on board with the Dogrib whenever they want.

"The door has been open," said Rabesca. "It might happen down the road."

The boundary dispute spills over at almost every Dene Nation meeting. Last year, both nations walked out over the dispute.

It surfaced again during the Fort Simpson meeting.

The Akaitcho recently launched a federal court action against the Department of Indian Affairs over the issue.