Dene Nation adopts several resolutions to advance major projects, protect water

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.

Major Projects

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.

The assembly later voted to recognize the Mackenzie Valley Highway project as a Dene priority, with an effort to advocate for its inclusion among federal major projects’ discussions.

A resolution supporting the Arctic economic and security corridor as a project to be included in the next round of federal major projects did not go through. 

Ndilǫ Chief Fred Sangris of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation said while a memorandum of understanding has been reached with the Tłı̨chǫ Government, no agreement has been signed with Canada and more work is needed before it can go further.

“We have no idea where it’s going to go,” he said. 

The resolution was pulled at his request.

Some at the assembly, like Fort Good Hope Chief Shawn Grandjambe, shared concerns about what new roads like the Mackenzie Valley Highway and major developments would mean for the wellness of their communities. 

They said they worried about a possible influx of drugs and alcohol to communities. 

Mackenzie said that was a “major” concern, and that federal support for such developments should come hand-in-hand with funding for social programs tied to drugs and alcohol, rather than cutbacks.

“They want development, they know social problems come with it,” he said. 

He said part of being prepared will mean ensuring young people continue to be able to go on the land and have access to drugs and alcohol programs.

Water stewardship

A number of resolutions adopted at the assembly tied into water stewardship.

The Dene Nation will seek funding and resources to establish a water office, as resolved by the assembly. 

Current plans for its mandate include promoting the protection of water in Denendeh, coordinating initiatives, research and knowledge-sharing as well as engaging with external governments and institutions on matters on policy, governance and regulations.

Chiefs and delegates also voted to declare the government of the Northwest Territories’ transboundary water agreement a failure to uphold the inherent right to clean water in Treaty 8 and Treaty 11. They resolved to look into initiating legal action for remedies.

The resolution lays out that the 2015 agreement failed to prevent degradation and risks to water quality and quantity.

The assembly also resolved to formally oppose the treatment and release of oil sands mine water into the Athabasca River, as well as the proposed nuclear reactor and Mihta Askiy data centre projects on Peace River.

A resolution was adopted to authorize the Dene Nation to enter into a memorandum of understanding with Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta to protect shared watersheds.

Grandjambe said he was especially looking forward to progress on resolutions tied to water because it’s the “big topic right down the Valley.”

“I'm just hoping that all the water issues will be addressed right away,” he said.