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Dene Nation Chief Frustrated Regarding Lack of Consultation in Newly Created DFO Arctic Region

Friday, 26 October 2018 14:51

The official logo of the Dene Nation (photo courtesy of Dene Nation)

Dene Nation National Chief Norman Yakeleya is asking why consultation wasn't given to the Dene regarding the recent Department of Fisheries and Oceans newly established Arctic Region.

There are questions today from Dene Nation National Chief Norman Yakeleya as to why the Dene Nation was not consulted in the newly established Arctic Region.

Chief Yakeleya notes people in the north are on the front lines of climate change, and highlights consultation should've been given to the Dene since Treaty 11 extends right to the Arctic Ocean.

Treaty 11 in Canada covers more than 950,000 km in present-day Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut and the agreement was signed in 1921 between First Nations and the Government of Canada.

Moreover, Yakeleya highlights the Dene have a spot in the Arctic region and want to participate on co-management decision making.

Chief Yakeleya also highlights the new jurisdictions of the Arctic region lie around Great Slave and Great Bear Lake, adding confusion as to why the Dene are not part of the new region.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard  and the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Natan Obed announced the creation of a new Arctic Region earlier this week and it's hoped to bring better policy frameworks, rights and interests for Indigenous peoples in the region.

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