Delegates were set to gather in Jean Marie River from June 27 to 30. The Dehcho Process was a topic of discussion at the meeting. - April Hudson/NNSL photo
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GNWT and feds to send adviser to communities
Premier Bob McLeod announces position at Dehcho First Nations annual general assembly
April Hudson
Northern News Services
Thursday, June 30, 2016
TTHEK'EHDELI/JEAN MARIE RIVER
By mid-July, the territorial and federal governments will have a new adviser to weigh in on the Dehcho Process negotiations, according to an announcement at the Dehcho First Nations annual general assembly in Jean Marie River on June 27.
The adviser, under the title of ministerial special representative (MSR), will be responsible for meeting with each band in the Deh Cho to understand their individual perspectives on the Dehcho Process negotiations. From there, the adviser will report back to the territorial and federal governments.
Premier Bob McLeod said the adviser is expected to be announced July 18 or 19 during a meeting between Dehcho First Nations and Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett.
The position is part of a new approach the government will be taking to the Dehcho Process, McLeod said.
"We've gotten as far as we can with the old approach, and I don't believe right now a new offer based on that old approach is what we need to get us to the finish line," he said.
"There is a new will and a new opportunity to make history here in the Deh Cho."
The ministerial special representative will offer "independent, objective advice" to Bennett and the territorial government, McLeod said, relating to how close the parties are to signing an agreement-in-principle.
"The MSR is not a government negotiator and their discussions with (bands) will not replace the Dehcho Process," he said.
"The advice of the MSR will be important in determining how we can reach an agreement together."
Following the announcement, Grand Chief Herb Norwegian said Dehcho First Nations and the territorial and federal governments all need to put the issue of rejection behind them.
"I think we're at a crossroads right now. I think ... the premier doesn't want to hear a 'no,' and we don't want to hear a 'no,' " he said.
"(We want to) take a more positive approach to it."
With new federal and territorial governments, Northwest Territories MP Michael McLeod said this is the first time he has seen such co-operation between aboriginal governments and federal and territorial governments, although he acknowledged the appointment of a ministerial special representative may not be the territory's golden goose.
"I'm trying to stay positive. I'm not saying absolutely (the MSR) is going to work. It may not work. It might come back and the answer will be there's not enough there to keep going. We don't know that," he said.
"But (if) we embark on this review with this person, that will give us the answers. At least it will point to the difficult parts we have to deal with ... It's not going to happen if we don't all try to move forward."
Delegates unclear about adviser's role
On June 28, during discussion of the Dehcho Process negotiations, delegates speculated whether the new appointment would take the role of mediator instead of an adviser.
Jean Marie River Chief Gladys Norwegian questioned what the adviser's position would look like.
"In my thinking, it almost seems like a mediator but they're calling it something different," she said.
Dehcho First Nations chief negotiator Garth Wallbridge agreed with her assessment.
"I would hope the MSR will want to do the following, which will be to meet with us in a small working-group concept, where there's just a few of us in the room, to really understand what the concerns are of each of the parties," he said.
Regarding speculation on whether the appointment of the adviser is a delaying action on the part of the federal and territorial governments, Wallbridge said an appointment of this magnitude takes time.
"A skeptic to the whole process might say, 'Is it going to take them six months?' I do know (the government) had hoped to be able to announce that person here, but it takes time," he said.
"The person they appoint needs to ensure they've got the skills and that they're comfortable, and they've got time in their own schedule."
Wallbridge said Dehcho First Nations does not have a say in who is chosen to be mediator, adding the position's mandate is unknown and might never be made public.
"Will we ever see a written copy of the mandate? I don't think so," he said.
"I'm not anticipating (that) will be released but we can certainly hope."
There were 53 people in attendance at the annual general assembly set to run from June 27 to 30.
