Development, devolution dominate at Dene National Assembly – CBC
Golfing, dancing, hand games and cook-outs all happening in Fort Smith, N.W.T.
Dene from across the Northwest Territories are gathered in Fort Smith, N.W.T. for the 2014 Dene National Assembly.
The annual event is a major social gathering, marked with feasts, drum dances and Dene hand games, but there are two serious topics delegates can’t seem to stay away from: development and devolution.
“We have to be in a position where it’s our agenda, not someone else’s,” says Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus.
Earlier this year, devolution came into effect in the N.W.T. and aboriginal leaders are trying to figure out how to work together to navigate the new system as key oil, gas and mining developments are also taking place.
