We have stated on numerous occasions that this government is determined to transfer significantly more authority, responsibility and resources to communities. However, it is not just a matter of what and how much we transfer to a community. It is also a matter of to whom.

In the case of communities above the treeline, we can predict that in most cases the institution accepting the transfer will be the local, public, community government. However, the issue in Dene communities is far more complex. Chiefs and band councils have been the traditional self-governing structure of Dene communities at least since the signing of Treaties 8 and 11 in 1899 and 1921 respectively. They are also institutions recognized by the federal Indian Act. Despite the establishment of public municipal bodies in many Dene communities in recent years, the chief and band council have remained a vital and important institution, and they will continue to play an important role in the future.

Ministers had the opportunity to attend portions of the Dene leadership in Rae last month. On behalf of the government, Minister Stephen Kakfwi expressed to the chiefs our sincere desire to improve our relations with the Dene Nation and each chief and to find ways we can work together co-operatively over the next four years. Mr. Kakfwi described our community transfer initiative, restated our recognition of an aboriginal right to self-government, and expressed our belief that aboriginal self-government can best be implemented in the North within the context of a public government system. He invited the chiefs to accept our offer of co-operation and to consider ways Dene bands might participate in the community transfer initiative.

As a follow-up to this offer, I am pleased to announce that a grant will be provided to each band council in the Northwest Territories...

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...to assist it to prepare itself for discussions about community transfers, including the continuing role of the chief and band council. The grants are for the remainder of this fiscal year, and the total amount of $233,360 will be divided among the 21 bands and five sub-bands.

Many communities in the North have expressed a desire to assume more powers and responsibilities. We want to make real progress in this direction, and we are optimistic that Dene communities will find ways to take full advantage of the opportunities that more authority at the community will provide. Thank you.

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