Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Rae-Edzo (Sep 08/03) - After 12 years of negotiation, the signing of the Tlicho (Dogrib) agreement in Rae-Edzo August 25 was not the final hurdle.

Chief Negotiator John B. Zoe of the Dogrib Treaty 11 council says the goal now is to have the territorial and federal governments sign on the bottom line.

"We're looking at spring," Zoe said, although he acknowledged it could be close to a year before the agreement is finalized. "But it is possible we can beat both elections."

For the last four years, he said, negotiations have gone through major milestones with the current government. Changes in the next territorial election could mean having to educate new members about the agreement.

"Let's deal with it together," Zoe said. "Rather than with a new government."

Changes possible - Dent

Last week, Dogrib Treaty 11 Council took out a full page ad in News/North, urging territorial MLAs to act.

Chairman of the Standing Committee on Oversight and Accountability Charles Dent, also MLA for Yellowknife Frame Lake, said it is his understanding the territorial government cannot pass the legislation until the federal government authorizes it through their legislation.

"I don't think there is a conscious effort to hold up this bill," Dent said. "My committee is working on the assumption that they need time to look at it.

"And it is not uncommon for bills to be amended," Dent added.

He said due time is needed, not only to draft the bill, but to then present it in the legislature, discuss it, hold a public hearing and eventually pass it.

Money and powers

This agreement creates self government and land ownership for about 3,000 people over 39,000 square kilometres of land between Great Bear Lake and Great Slave Lake. Existing mines, mineral claims, roads and many titled properties, both public and private, are excluded from the claim.

A first of its kind in the Northwest Territories, the agreement gives the Tlicho people claims to subsurface resources, the right to pass and enforce laws and to manage their own land. Access to Dogrib land by non-beneficiaries will only be allowed by permission of the Tlicho government and could be subject to usage fees.

The deal grants full hunting rights and protection of natural resources, including fish and wildlife, within the Tlicho lands. Beyond Dogrib borders, the Tlicho government will have to be consulted on any activity on land considered to be traditional Dogrib hunting grounds. Aside from a share of federal revenue from Dogrib taxpayers, the new government will also receive cash transfers from the federal government totalling $152 million over the next 15 years. For the first six years, $27 million already spent on negotiations by Treaty 11 Council goes back to the federal government.

The Tlicho government replaces the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council.

Eventually, the Tlicho government can create its own justice system for law enforcement. Meanwhile, territorial courts will be used, although Tlicho customs and culture is to be respected when enforcing existing laws.

The federal and territorial governments will continue to maintain social assistance, health and education programs to the same level as such services in the rest of the NWT.