Dene Nation adopts several resolutions to advance major projects, protect water
CBC
Major projects and water stewardship were key topics among a bulk of the resolutions adopted at the outset of the 55th Dene National Assembly in Fort Good Hope, N.W.T., on Thursday.
“Major development is coming,” said Dene National Chief George Mackenzie. “We got to get ready for it.”
Some chiefs and delegates attending the assembly articulated a vision for Dene Nation as a future political and economic powerhouse, with aspirations to wield its influence comparable to the Assembly of First Nations.
Mackenzie said this year’s assembly marked a step toward that goal.
He said the five Dene Nation regions should band together to hold equity in major projects, with the most affected areas getting a bigger share.
“That never happened before, it’s time to do it,” he said. “That’s what I want to see, someday soon.”
The resolutions adopted at this year's assembly underscored ongoing commitments to both economic development and environmental preservation.
The assembly resolved to write to Premier R.J. Simpson, asking the territorial government to back the naming of a Dene representative to the Indigenous Advisory Council of the federal Major Projects Office.
Mackenzie raised the concern of a lack of representation on the council to Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty when she joined the assembly over video call Thursday.
She responded by stressing that the individuals on the council provide recommendations on the advisory process and do not represent any regions or speak for any nation.
“They’re just there as individuals with past experience as a leader or in the business community,” she said.
She added they do not replace consultation with rights holders.
Mackenzie told CBC in an interview he was “completely not” satisfied with her answer, stressing he knew the process of the council and believed he should have been eligible to be appointed.
“I don't like the answer and I'm not going to stop there,” he said.
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