Dehcho Process makes movement
Chief First Nations negotiator says agreement should be in five years
Joseph Tunney
Northern News Services
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
In a move welcomed by the Dehcho chief negotiator, a ministerial special representative has been named.
Garth Wallbridge, standing, gives his presentation about the Dehcho Process at the annual general meeting for the Liidlii Kue First Nation July 14. With him is Chief Gerald Antoine, left, and Ernest Cazon. - Joseph Tunney/NNSL photo
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Anne Marie Doyle has been appointed the ministerial special representative to the negotiations with the Dehcho First Nations regarding the Dehcho Process.
"The (ministerial special representative) will help to advance treaty and self-government negotiations in the region and undertake discussions with the Akaitcho Dene First Nation (Akaitcho) and the Northwest Territory Metis Nation (NWTMN) to help resolve outstanding negotiations and overlapping interests," states a July 19 news release from the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
Garth Wallbridge, chief negotiator for the Dehcho Process, had said there might be a new position opening up to help expedite the negotiations at the annual general meeting for the Liidlii Kue First Nation on July 14.
This new representative, said Wallbridge, will have the mandate to talk to Dehcho First Nations, as well as the territorial and federal governments to get an understanding on where people stand on the Dehcho Process and make recommendations.
The news release states the ministerial special representative will report back to the minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs as well as Premier Bob McLeod in December.
"I believe there is an historic opportunity to further strengthen relationships with aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories through the settlement of remaining claims and am pleased to share in the appointment of the ministerial special representative. I look forward to working with our partners to complete negotiations in the near future," stated McLeod in the news release.
According to the government's biographical note about Doyle, her work includes experience in the Department of Foreign Affairs.
"In the course of her career as a public servant, Ms. Doyle acquired deep insight into cross-cultural issues and dynamics," the release states. "This stood her in good stead in negotiating successfully with individuals from many diverse cultures and in operating successfully in different cultural milieu."
While he is optimistic about this appointment, Wallbridge said he also needs to be cautious it is not a tactic to delay the process.
While he hasn't seen delay tactics from the Trudeau government, he said such things were common in the previous administration.
"I don't want to believe this and I don't think it's the case," Wallbridge said.
Wallbridge said he doesn't intend to allow the Dehcho Process to go on for another 20 years.
"Not even five years," he said. "I do believe we're getting close to the finish line and when I say, 'the finish line' I mean federal legislation."
Wallbridge said because the elders of the Deh Cho decided 20 years ago they would not be taking on loans to pay for the negotiations, when an agreement is forged it will be something to celebrate.
"I'm still pretty sure you folks are still going to owe zero dollars," Wallbridge said. "The first time in modern Canadian history that's happened."
Right now, the federal government provides $500,000 a year to Dehcho First Nations.
He said the work he is doing on behalf of the Dehcho is constitution changing which is the reason why they have to get it right the first time around.
"That's what really excites me for about this work," he said. "It's going to go on for hundreds of years."
