Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Friday, July 20, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - The problem of squatters and activity around Drybones Bay were key topics addressed by Yellowknives Dene Chiefs Peter Liske and Fred Sangris at the Dene National Assembly in Behchoko this week.

Liske told the gathered chiefs and delegates from five Dene regions about a June fire at Drybones Bay that charred a Dene burial site.

"The fire burned over the graveyard, people are buried there. Who's going to compensate for that?" asked Liske.

The fire consumed more than 353 hectares of forest and a tent belonging to Snowfield Development Corporation, according to Frank Lepine, fire operations manager for Environment and Natural Resources (ENR).

Ndilo Chief Fred Sangris said he flew over the fire-damaged area to inspect it, and saw that it affected the entire cemetery.

He said he returned with elders who confirmed the location of the now burned cemetery.

"It seems nobody is watching them, there's no eye dog out there," said Sangris.

He said that ENR is still investigating the cause of the fire, which started near Snowfield Development Corporation's mineral exploration camp.

Sangris said he's in negotiations with Snowfield for compensation to clean-up the graveyard. He said it can be an expensive process, having to bring in different people for the necessary ceremonies.

On another note, Liske accused the City of Yellowknife and the NWT of unequal treatment in issuing permits. He said they are not supportive of First Nations' initiatives.

Liske told his fellow chiefs and delegates that while the Akaitcho are trying to pursue development, they are being held back.

"Yellowknife has been growing, there's been a party without us," said Liske. "Businesses like RTL get permits and zoning just like that. Businesses are supported by municipal government, but when First Nations want something we're held back."

Liske and Sangris both expressed concern about squatters on the land.

"There are too many leases and permits out there without our consent," said Liske.

Sangris said he's taken a count of at least 300 houses and cabins. He said he brought the issue up in June with officials from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), but is still waiting to see the report.

Bernie Hughes, director of policy and planning for INAC, told Sangris that they recognize the problem, and are working on the report.

In addition, the territorial government is actively trying to identify cabins in the Yellowknife area without leases.

The Dene National Assembly, which comprised more than 2,000 people, was expected to wrap up today.