FORT NORMAN - Celebrities and visitors from across Canada gathered with the Sahtu communities in Tulita this month for the signing of an accord promising a closer relationship between the region's Dene and Metis peoples.

John B., Ricky Andrew and Grand Chief Frank Andrew drum during ceremonies for the Tulita Unity Accord. - photo courtesy of Dene Skylar

Beginning on Feb. 9, nine days of events and celebrations centered on the signing of the Tulita Unity Accord on Feb. 17, an agreement on social-cultural and economic unity signed by Sahtu Dene Council Grand Chief Frank Andrew, and Fort Norman Metis Land Corporation President Rocky Norwegian.

"It was a very special moment for our people to sit down and recognize the Metis and Dene band are one," said Carl Yakeleya, band manager for the Tulita Dene Band. "When I saw the two signatures on the document, I knew we were Tulitians."

Yakeleya said that the event represents somewhat of a new beginning for Tulita, to begin a healing process and recognize themselves and their identities.

"We were concerned about our well being, and our future," he said. "We can now start injecting a healing program of every aspect: mental, spiritual, emotional and physical."

Edwin Kolausok has been working on organizing the event with the community since July.

"It's a return to the relationship that the Dene and Metis have always wanted," said Kolausok.

The activities were centered on involving the community, and joining together the elders with the youth, said Kolausok. As a result the school was central in the week's events. "The leadership wanted an opportunity for youths to understand how important their culture and ancestors are to the development of the North," said Kolausok.

Throughout the week, people participated in traditional Dene handgames, took part in a community drum dance, and spent time in workshops learning of the region's culture such as moose hair tufting, and playing the fiddle.

A visit from the Casa Comedy Kings, some traditional Dene legends, and a talk from actor Leslie Nielsen also entertained the groups. As a boy Nielsen spent some time living in Tulita while his father was stationed there with the RCMP.

Yakeleya noted the importance of rejoining with the culture to help the community develop. With huge oil reserves gaining the interest of oil companies, he says that as a people they must heal themselves to properly take advantage of their potential. He said the Unity Accord provides the groundwork on which the Dene and Metis can work together to work with these opportunities.