Deninu Kue First Nation signs on to N.W.T. devolution
Chief says band doesn't want to miss out on resource revenues
The chief and council of the Deninu Kue First Nation in Fort Resolution, N.W.T., have voted to sign on to the territorial devolution agreement.
The agreement transfers decision-making powers over lands and resources to the territory.
The Deninu Kue First Nation is a member of the Akaitcho First Nations.
Chief Louis Balsillie says the Deninu Kue First Nation has always supported devolution but was reluctant to sign on without the support of the other Akaitcho communities.
He says this week the band agreed they don't want to get left behind and miss out on the resource revenues that will be coming in.
Akaitcho chief negotiator Don Balsillie says the Lutsel'ke and the Yellowknives Dene first nations will also decide in the next few weeks if they'll support the agreement.
Last summer the federal and territorial governments, along with five N.W.T. aboriginal groups, signed the final devolution deal.
Up until now, Dehcho and Akaitcho communities have held off supporting the agreement.
In a statement, Premier Bob McLeod said he's pleased the Deninu Kue First Nation will be signing on. The statement said McLeod is still working with the Dehcho, and that the Dene band in Fort Liard is also interested in signing on.