Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (July 15/02) - It's a new era for the Dene Nation.

The Dene Nation passed a symbolic motion of unity last Thursday, laying the groundwork for a new era and a new role in the Northwest Territories.

The assembly also passed a motion to accept a new constitution as a working document.

"Finally," said Deh Cho Grand Chief Michael Nadli in an interview after the votes.

The assembly ended Friday after four days of meetings. It was cut a day short because of the death in Ndilo (See page A5).

Erasmus said it was done out of respect for the Akaitcho delegation that had to leave for home.

The unity motion officially returned three of the five regions that pulled away in 1993 after the massive, territory-wide Dene-Metis land claim fell apart.

In 2000, the Gwich'in, Sahtu and Dogrib returned but no assembly motion officially endorsed their return.

Major sticking point

The issue was a major sticking point with the Akaitcho and Deh Cho nations who requested the motion during the assembly.

"We just agreed we are all going to work together," said Akaitcho Chief Richard Edjericon after the passing of the motion.

"I am very happy. I came here for one reason and that was to unite."

Edjericon and the Akaitcho Nation have doggedly pushed for a new constitution for the last two years.

An air of discord hung over the days leading up to the assembly but it dissipated with the passing of the motions in a sea of red and yellow.

Delegates waving yellow voting cards and chiefs waving red voting cards unanimously accepted to work together "as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the rivers flow."

A standing ovation followed.

Focus on national issues

Nadli said the Dene Nation can now focus on national issues and play a bigger role at the Assembly of First Nations level.

Issues like the recent British Columbia referendum on land claims can now be examined for possible ripple effects in the North, said Nadli.

"It's good to see everyone back together again," said Nadli. "To be successful you have to stay united."

Nadli's comments were echoed by other leaders.

"Now (Dene Nation Chief Bill Erasmus) knows he has five regions behind him," said Dogrib Treaty 11 Grand Chief Joe Rabesca.

Sahtu Grand Chief Frank Andrew said the Dene Nation now has a stronger voice -- a sentiment shared by Tsiigehtchic Chief Peter Ross.

Erasmus said the new constitution makes it clear the Dene Nation is a united organization.

The new constitution, which will be tweaked by the regions between assemblies, creates an elders' council and gives regions the power to define citizenship within the Dene Nation.

Erasmus said electoral reform is also being looked at.

The Sahtu and Akaitcho have suggested the national chief be elected by every Dene person in the territory. Currently, each community selects delegates who cast votes on their behalf.

The road to Fort Simpson originally seemed to lead straight to a major blowout.

The Akaitcho Nation wanted Erasmus removed from office based on a resolution they passed during their own spring assembly in Fort Smith.

But the animosity melted away during the first three days of talks.

Edjericon said he wants to work with Erasmus and help him get the Dene Nation on course.

Deninu K'ue First Nation Chief Robert Sayine said he supported the ousting of Erasmus only as a wake-up call.

In the end, everyone walked away happy from the table with the unity mantra on their lips.

"This is another historic event in the history of the Dene Nation," said Rene Lamothe, co-chair of the assembly.

Now the Dene Nation can focus on working toward more of a role in mapping the direction of the territory along with the territorial government, said Erasmus.