Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. One of the highlights of my summer was participating in summer assemblies, enjoying good food, the company of friends, and cultural activities. This summer, I attended the Dehcho First Nations Annual Assembly in Fort Providence, and the 47th Annual Dene Nation Assembly on the Hay River Reserve.
As always, the assemblies provide an opportunity for Dene people to come together and talk about the issues that affect us. A common theme running through the discussions this year was Treaties 8 and 11 of 1899 and 1921 respectively, and how they are being interpreted in modern land claim and self-government negotiations.
These treaties were negotiated between First Nations and the Government of Canada. There are opposing views as to whether those treaties were agreements of peace and friendship only, or cessation in nature. Dehcho First Nations believed that, based on the treaties, all of Denendeh was and remains Dene land. Our land was never ceded to the federal government. Our ancestors lived on the land long before European contact, and we continue to live here today.
It is Canada's view that treaty rights need to be modernized in the form of land claim and self-government arrangements. The challenge with this perspective is how to interpret the treaties based on today's circumstances.
One of the reasons that this was a topic of concern at the summer assemblies is because Canada and the GNWT are asking the DFN to clarify the position on the role of the GNWT modern treaty negotiations. They are also asking the DFN to clarify their position regarding the development of an integrated system for managing and protecting natural resources in the NWT.
The DFN is understandably frustrated by persistent delays to the negotiated process, and talks have been stalled again since the Government of Canada wrote to the DFN in April of this year.
Since the treaties were negotiated, the federal government moved decision making to the North, and in the process, delegated its authority to the GNWT. The First Nations hold the perspective that treaties are negotiated agreements, and that it is a matter of recognition by both governments. Yesterday, the DFN issued a press release confirming this and further confirming that they have always supported the development of a truly integrated system of resource management.
I agree with Grand Chief Herb Norwegian when he says, "Our people are patient, but we've had far too many delays." Today, my question to the Premier is this: how does the GNWT recognize treaty rights, and is the GNWT prepared to get back to the negotiating table as soon as possible? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.