TTHEK'EHDELI/JEAN MARIE RIVER
The GNWT has failed to meet its commitment of putting a new land offer on the table for the Dehcho Process, according to a news release from Dehcho First Nations Grand Chief Herb Norwegian issued May 18.

Dehcho First Nations Grand Chief Herb Norwegian says the annual Dehcho Assembly has been moved to Jean Marie River. It had previously been scheduled to occur August in Wrigley. - NNSL file photo

The release advanced the date Dehcho Assembly to June 27 to be held in Jean Marie River where Norwegian stated band leaders may hear about whether the federal government will be taking a new approach to negotiations.

"The prime minister says Canada wants to build a new relationship with indigenous peoples but so far they are still using the mandates developed by Harper's government," he stated.

"We expect to see a change, otherwise their talk is just that."

The Dehcho Assembly had originally been set for Wrigley in August.

However, Norwegian stated discussion with bandleaders led to a change in location and time.

He stated many leaders felt August was too late a date and feared there would be a reduction in attendance.

He added the band is still waiting on a new land offer, which was promised by Premier Bob McLeod in late December.

On Dec. 16, McLeod promised to meet with leaders within 45 days and put new offers on the table within 90 days, should he be re-elected premier. Shortly thereafter, he secured his position.

But in the May 18 release, Norwegian stated the government has yet to make good on that commitment.

"We are still waiting for (the) GNWT to fulfil its promise," he wrote.

Norwegian told News/North that Dehcho First Nations met with the GNWT earlier in the year and hoped to find out what the status of the offer was at that point.

"They weren't able to present anything (to us)," he said.

A spokesperson for the GNWT was not able to comment before press time.

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