The Dene community of Fort Liard, N.W.T., is set to pursue its own land claim with the federal government, breaking away from existing land-claims talks by the Dehcho First Nations.
Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl is expected to be in the hamlet of 600, located in the southwestern corner of the territory, later Monday to sign an agreement with community leaders to start land-claim negotiations.
But word of the Fort Liard deal has shocked Dehcho First Nations leaders, who say a deal for the community could jeopardize land-claims talks for the entire Dehcho region.
"It doesn't help our case at all. You know, like, knowing the government, they always love to play conquer and divide, and this is a prime example of them doing that," Chief Keyna Norwegian of the Liidlii Kue First Nation in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., told
"I just wish that the people would really consider that and know that we are stronger if we are united."
Fort Liard Chief Steve Kotchea was unavailable for comment.
The Dehcho First Nations, which include 11 communities in the southwest region of the Northwest Territories, have been in talks since 1999 toward a land claim and a self-government agreement with the federal government.
It is the only aboriginal group without a land claim agreement along the route of the proposed 1,200-kilometre Mackenzie Valley natural gas pipeline.
Those talks have stalled several times in recent years, as the two sides have been apart on major issues such as a land-use plan for the Decho region.
In Fort Liard, members said Ottawa plans to offer 6,200 square kilometres of land and just over $14 million to the community.
But former chief Floyd Bertrand said some members worry that Fort Liard could hamper its relations with the Dehcho First Nations — or possibly even create a rift — by pursuing its own land claim.
"If we go on our own path here, what are the benefits we're going to be losing of being with the Dehcho?" Bertrand said.
"How are we going to settle land boundaries with the rest of the Dehcho and the surrounding communities?"
Norwegian echoed Bertrand's concern. "I think it's going to cause a lot of confusion about the land that they are trying to claim within the Dehcho, especially with the connecting communities," she said.
"Regarding traditional boundaries within Nahanni Butte, Trout Lake and [Liidlii Kue First Nation] … where is the boundary between Fort Liard and the rest of the Dehcho?"