Owner of houseboat removed from Yellowknife Bay says fight's not over

Though he's moved the house part of his houseboat, Randy Sibbeston says he's not giving up his court battle against the territorial government.

The government alleges the Fort Simpson Mé​tis man has been trespassing on Crown land by mooring his houseboat on a scenic point in Yellowknife's Willow Flats area for two and a half years. The territorial government placed a trespass notice on the houseboat shortly after it was placed there.

On Thursday, Sibbeston loaded the cabin of the houseboat onto a trailer, leaving the barge-type foundation it was sitting on. Area residents and dog walkers who have complained about the houseboat rejoiced.

"I know the neighbourhood will be happy to see it gone and I wish him all the best," said Amanda Mallon, who lives in the area. 

"It's a lovely spot, and I think having the houseboat moved will make it a little more accessible to the public."

But Sibbeston says he's not planning to move the barge anytime soon, and he's going to continue defending his right to keep it there. For him, it's part of a larger battle to defend and reclaim Aboriginal rights.

"The level of commitment that I have to this is due to the fact that I do not want to be responsible for putting my kids knowingly in a position where they have to take action to defend their rights," Sibbeston said. 

"This is a worthwhile investment for my children's future and the future of Native people who are being mistreated by the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories."

Sibbeston said he has proof that his family can trace its roots to the Yellowknife area back to the time when Aboriginal people would gather there for the fish run up the Yellowknife River.

The territorial government has been in court for almost three years, trying to get a judge to declare that Sibbeston is trespassing. The case is far from over. A trial — if it is to go to trial — is still months, if not years, away.