Deh Cho seek restoration of traditional government

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The leaders of the Deh Cho First Nations are hoping that a meeting with Indian Affairs Minister Ron Irwin scheduled for July will bring them closer to their dreams of restoring traditional government to the area of southwestern N.W.T.

The Deh Cho proposal, which sets forth guidelines for a stand-alone government based on Dene values and principles, has been in limbo since it was presented to the minister in March, 1994. The minister has neither commented on the merits of the proposal nor the likelihood implementing such a government in the N.W.T. It is hoped, said Deh Cho Grand Chief Gerald Antonine, that the minister will make an announcement on the proposal at the Deh Cho Tribal Assembly July 10 to 14.

The Deh Cho are anxious to move ahead with the proposal and attempted to meet with Irwin during a trip to Ottawa in June. The minister was unavailable, so the group satisfied itself in meeting with members of the Senate, Members of Parliament for the Western Arctic and other government officials, said Dene leader Bill Erasmus.

He said the trip helped to educate people on the proposal and open doors that will lead the way to realizing the aspirations of the Deh Cho.

Antoine explained the proposed government will represent 15 First Nations communities, which are members of a larger organization called the Dene Nation. These First Nations are located in the Treaty 11 area south of Norman Wells.

"What we are doing is re-establishing the government of the Deh Cho," said Antoine. The people want to ensure development in the area is consistent with Deh Cho aspirations.

The government would be comprised of Denendeh (Deh Cho) First Nations Councils, a judicial branch, and a senate of Elders which would act as advisors to the elected councils. These governments would have jurisdiction over the traditional regions and serve as the basic unit of government.

This government would then deliver services to residents. The proposal is unique in that the government would act for all people in the Deh Cho, including non-Aboriginal people.

The stand-alone government would have a direct relationship with the federal government only, said Antoine. This has been a stumbling block to 'exploratory discussions' in the past, as the federal government insists the current government of the N.W.T. must have some input as the duly elected representatives of the area.

The Deh Cho see the territorial administration as having a competing interest and is opposed to GNWT participation.

"It's none of their business," said Antoine bluntly.