Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Monday, July 23, 2007

BEHCHOKO - David Etchinellee moved for the recognition of the Shuhtagot'ine band, a group that was ignored during the 1991 land claims agreement.

David Etchinelle, left, faced off July 19 against Tulita Chief Frank Andrew, far right, who wanted Etchinelle's motion for the recognition of the Shuhtagot'ine band postponed. Andrew said the recognition of the band could divide the community. - Christine Grimard/NNSL photo

The establishment of the band would divide Tulita in two, which didn't sit well with Tulita Chief Frank Andrew.

Andrew said that while he did recognize the band's rights, he wants to have further discussions with Etchinellee before the motion is put forward.

"Think about what it might mean for our people at home," said Andrew.

Etchinellee stood by the motion, and won the votes with 10 abstentions.

Addressing the housing crisis

With a recent change in GNWT regulations, Cecilia Beaulieu put forward a motion to address the growing Dene housing crisis that was passed unanimously.

The motion called for an independent Dene housing organization by April 2008.

"We need something done now," said Beaulieu. "Housing is slowly putting us in the poor house because of the way it is run now."

In support of UN declaration

The assembly unanimously passed a motion to protest the federal government's protest of the United Nations declaration of rights for Indigenous people.

Canada and Russia are the only two countries looking to weaken the wording of the declaration.

Dehcho process

With self-government in mind, Stan Sangris put forward a motion demanding that the federal government immediately recognize the Dehcho process and land use plan.

The process outlines the region's land, and seeks self-government agreements with Canada to pursue self-determination.

The federal government had promised to complete the land use plan by June 2006, but has refused to pass it because it would "protect too much land."

The resolution passed unanimously.

Adding residential schools to compensation list

Charlie Jim Nitsiza put forward a motion that the federal government recognize Dehcho Hall in the residential school settlement.

The motion noted that certain schools and hostels are not being considered as residential schools in the agreement, therefore, anyone who attended those schools would not be eligible for the settlement.

Green motions pass

Yellowknives Dene Chief (Ndilo) Fred Sangris put forward a motion supporting the Water is Life Conference in Fort Smith Aug. 20 to 23.

"Water is important to Dene families, it's critical to maintaining a healthy community,"

Another motion called for resources and regulations to help fire prevention.

Both motions passed unanimously.