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 Prime Minister Jean Chretien accepts a handcrafted wooden paddle from Wha Ti First Nation Chief Charlie Nitsiza after the signing of the Tlicho agreement Monday in Rae. In the background are NWT Premier Stephen Kakfwi and Ted Blondin. - Dorothy Westerman/NNSL photo |
"Today, with this agreement, we have strengthened Canada's federation; we've made our country stronger and better," he told hundreds of Dogrib people who gathered to witness the signing, some having travelled days by canoe to attend.
Chretien was joined by Premier Stephen Kakfwi, Grand Chief Joe Rabesca of Dogrib Treaty 11 Council, Jim Antoine, minister of aboriginal affairs, Robert Nault, minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew.
The sounds of an ancient culture filled the air as Dogrib drummers performed during the event.
Alexis Arrowmaker, an elder advisor to the Treaty 11 council, led the prayers in the Dogrib language.
Also during the ceremony was a gift exchange.
When the prime minister was presented with a handcrafted wooden boat paddle, he laughed, saying the next time he visits the North, he would use it to go fishing with Premier Kakfwi.
This is likely Chretien's last official visit to the Northwest Territories.
The signing was celebrated afterwards with a ceremonial dance of those attending.
Chairs were cleared from the floor and, in what some might call an ordeal for security, throngs of people joined hands and danced around the room, chanting and singing, the prime minister and everyone on stage included.
At a press conference afterwards, the prime minister appeared in a beaded, handcrafted vest.
He reflected on the status of the people in the North.
"What is great about Canada is we salute diversity.
"When I was minister there was a policy of assimilation. Today, this is a progress of unity and diversity."
He called the North vibrant and progressive yet, culturally, he said it is important for aboriginal people to hunt, fish and maintain ties to their roots.
The agreement which is to be ratified by the federal and territorial governments establishes the Tlicho government as the successor to the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council.
The new government has law- making authority and the power to tax, levy royalties and manage resources on 39,000 square kilometers of Tlicho lands between Great Bear and Great Slave lakes.
