Tlicho delegates decry joint assembly with Dene

Some delegates at the Tlicho assembly say they disagree with their government's move to combine their annual meeting with the Dene national assembly meeting

Leaders say the first-time measure is meant to save time and money.

Both First Nations assemblies began Tuesday in Behchoko, N.W.T. and while most of the three-day agenda is devoted to regional leaders discussing Dene Nation business, the Tlicho government will hold its session on Thursday morning.

That's not enoughtime for Tlicho delegates to talk about issues that concern them, said Joe Rabesca, a former Tlicho Grand Chief.

"Everybody else in the other regions had their assembly, and not everybody has a self-government like we do," Rabesca said Tuesday. "I have a lot of concerns that I'd really like to question my leadership on and there's not enough time. I'm not the only one."

The Tlicho, formerly known as the Dogrib, have been self-governing since 2005 after negotiating a land claim and self-government deal with the federal government.

Too much development and change

Rabesca said there has been too much development and change happening lately in the Tlicho region, and the issues warrant more discussion than the time allotted. He earnedapplause and cheers of support from many Tlicho delegates in attendance.

"The reason we put these two assemblies together is to have a cost savings," Behchoko chief Leon Lafferty said in response. "I understand every government should be doing that, and the Tlicho government is doing it very well."

Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus said this week's joint assembly marks the first time since 1984 that the Dene have held a national gathering in Behchoko.

He said he supports the idea of a joint assembly because it allows people from other regions to witness the relatively young Tlicho government in action.

"People were afraid that there just gets to be too many meetings, so it's a unique opportunity," Erasmus said. "On Thursday we'll get an opportunity to see the Tlicho government in session.

"For those that have not witnessed that before, you can observe that."