HAY RIVER - Hay River town council wants the community excluded from new political structures that may emerge from land claim negotiations in the area.

In a Feb. 19 meeting with territorial negotiators, Mayor John Pollard specifically asked whether Hay River could remain unaffected by negotiations with Dehcho First Nations.

GNWT negotiators appeared before Hay River town council on Feb. 19 to discuss Dehcho and Metis land claim talks. Mark Warren, left, the territorial interim chief negotiator for the Dehcho Process, chatted with Mayor John Pollard after the meeting. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

"I guess anything is possible," replied Fred Talen, the director of negotiations with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations.

However, Talen said there are too many unanswered questions about any possible agreement to give an informed answer.

"I think it would be good to leave us out of the process totally," said Coun. Dean McMeekin

Coun. Vince McKay would also like to see the status quo remain in Hay River.

Dehcho First Nations has been negotiating for years with Ottawa and the GNWT over land, resources and self-government.

Pollard objected to any move towards guaranteed aboriginal representation on council as a result of the Dehcho Process or separate negotiations with the Northwest Territory Metis Nation.

"We're totally opposed to guaranteed representation," he said, adding one person, one vote serves all people and cultures in the community.

Pollard said council is willing to put the issue to a plebiscite, if it is not satisfied with the final agreements.

However, Talen said the results of a Hay River plebiscite would not be binding on the territorial government. McMeekin would like the town to have veto power over anything affecting the community.

"I don't see us sitting back here and being walked over," he said.

Mark Warren, the GNWT's interim chief negotiator for the Dehcho Process, noted the talks are completely public and invited the town to observe.

Pollard said there appears to be less concern on council about where negotiations with the Metis may be leading.

Gerald Read, the territorial chief negotiator in talks including the Northwest Territory Metis Nation and Ottawa, said there won't be any discussions on self-government until after an agreement-in-principle is reached.

"We anticipate having an agreement-in-principle by the spring of 2008," Read said.

Some land of interest to the Metis has already been set aside in Hay River.

"We have no concerns with the way the aboriginal organization has selected land in the Town of Hay River," Pollard said. Council told the negotiators it wants more input into both the Dehcho Process and talks with the Metis.

"What we're saying as a community is we want to be involved in what you negotiate on our behalf," said Coun. Tom Hamilton.

The negotiators said the town's concerns are being taken into account.

Talen explained territorial negotiators articulate and defend the interests of the whole NWT and individual communities.