Yellowknives Dene says city boundary, Joliffe Island top unresolved issues
'I believe that both councils can work together,' says Yellowknives Dene Chief Ernest Betsina
Yellowknives Dene Chief Ernest Betsina says he hopes to work with the new Yellowknife city council to resolve issues that include a longstanding boundary matter and ownership of Joliffe Island.
"I believe that both councils can work together and I believe that we can work on our relationships," he says.
"The biggest issue is the city boundary, because right now the city boundary goes on the Dettah side of the road and so we want to change that. We want to start developing that area so we want the city to move that boundary line."
Betsina says the band wants the boundary line moved closer to the city.
Another issue is ownership of Joliffe Island. The Yellowknives Dene say they used the land historically and want to reclaim it. Betsina says the band met with city officials twice in the last couple of years.
"I'm hoping that negotiations between them and us, that we can start discussions because I would certainly like to get this resolved."
Yellowknives Dene on Yellowknife city council
Betsina says a suggestion to set aside two seats on Yellowknife city council for Yellowknives Dene members is an interesting idea.
A representative from Dene Najho made the suggestion earlier this week.
"Ndilo and Dettah, we have only a certain amount of houses, so a lot of our members are living in the City of Yellowknife itself," he says.
"So I believe if they want us to have one or two seats on city council, I mean that's a possibility. That's certainly a discussion for both councils to talk about."
Betsina stresses that his members also have a large interest in the Yellowknives Dene band council, which band members both run for and vote in during band elections.