Fort Norman (Sep 27/04) - Tulita residents have taken a step closer to regaining control over their lands, says their chief negotiator.

The Tulita Yamoria Community Secretariat and the federal and territorial governments initialled a framework self-government agreement Sept. 20.

"People have been feeling helpless on their lands," said negotiator Ernie Lennie Friday.

"We don't have too much say."

The agreement will now go to the respective governments for their approval.

Lennie called this a "positive" step, setting out the areas that will be discussed as the governments work toward an agreement in principle, a step that could be completed in four years.

"It's a new day for Tulita to talk about creating a better government structure," said Lennie.