FORT SIMPSON - After much discussion, representatives of the Dehcho First Nations have upheld an earlier decision to continue exploratory discussions about land selection with the federal government.

Elder Leo Norwegian, left, flanks Gerry Antoine as he makes a point about the Dehcho Process and land selection during the third day of the Dehcho Annual Assembly in Fort Simpson. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Discussion on the Dehcho Process occupied over 50 per cent of the Dehcho Annual Assembly held in Fort Simpson from June 26-29. An update on the process and negotiations followed by workshops on issues concerning the process occupied all of June 27. Talks continued the next day and a resolution was finally passed at 5:10 p.m.

In the resolution, the Dehcho First Nations (DFN) re-affirmed their commitment to the Dehcho Process which rejects land selection, but acknowledged that the federal government has stated that they will only negotiate a land and self-government agreement if it's based on land selection. During a special assembly in November 2006, DFN had authorized their negotiating team to explore the idea of an agreement in principal based on land selection.

During the course of the discussion about the resolution, a variety of delegates raised concerns about the idea of land selection.

"It's Dehcho Process all the way for me," said Cheryl Cli, with Liidlii Kue First Nation.

Cli said that the idea of land selection scared her.

"If we buckle to what they want now they will talk us down another road," Cli said referring to the federal government.

Also speaking as a member of Liidlii Kue First Nation, Gerry Antoine said that DFN has to be consistent in their position and that he's heard members say that they don't want land selection.

"It's a waste of time to do any further exploration," said Antoine.

Chief Stan Sanguez, of the Jean Marie River First Nation, questioned how the resolution reflected the workshops that were held on Wednesday about the issues. During the summarizing presentations on the workshops, most of the group leaders stated that the land couldn't be divided.

"All the groups agreed that we have to protect the land," said Sam Gargan.

Chris Reid, legal counsel for DFN, told the gathered assembly that the idea of discussing land selection at the negotiating table while still rejecting it is a careful compromise.

"It may sound contradictory, but it isn't really," said Reid.

The DFN can listen to ideas about land selection but in the end they don't have to accept it, Reid said. As part of the resolution, it was agreed that a special assembly will be held in 2008 to review the process of the negotiations to see if any of the agreements reached concerning land selection are consistent with the goals of the Dehcho Process.

Reid cautioned the delegates that if they decided to reject talks on land selection, they would have to be prepared to confront Canada and follow through if they hoped to change the comprehensive claims policy.

"Canada's not just going to roll over because you say you don't like it," said Reid.

Having the delegates approve the resolution despite having so many people speak out against it shows the true feelings about land selection, said Grand Chief Herb Norwegian.

From the beginning people haven't liked the idea of selecting land, he said. Through the resolution the delegates said they will simply continue with the discussions.

"It's putting trust in our negotiators," said Norwegian.