In a first, mining industry representatives joined hundreds of Dene from across the Northwest Territories at the annual Dene National Assembly, which wraps up Thursday in Fort McPherson.
Groups like the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada and the Mining Association of Canada told delegates they want to foster dialogue between aboriginal communities and industry on development in the North.
"I think the people here, most of them are not anti-mining as such," Bill Mercer, a representative with the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, told
"They just want it done in a responsible fashion, and the industry has the same view."
Chief Leon Lafferty of Behchoko, N.W.T., said he was happy to see the mining industry at the table at this year's assembly. But on whether mining companies will really forge closer ties with aboriginal people, he said he will believe it when he sees it.
"I told the presenters that, you know, that they have to walk the talk," he said.
"You want us to help you? Well, OK, let's work together. Also, put us on your boards, you know, where the decisions are made."
Lafferty said mining companies have brought more jobs to his community, but added he's still waiting for more aboriginal people to be hired as supervisors and managers.
The Dene National Assembly, which began Monday in Fort McPherson, spent Wednesday afternoon discussing how to protect water and wildlife on their lands.
It also honoured Fort McPherson native Wally Firth, who was the first aboriginal MP elected to represent the Northwest Territories. He represented the territory as an NDP MP from 1972 to 1979.