Hundreds Flock to Dillon For Dene Gathering

Hundreds Flock to Dillon For Dene Gathering

Monday, August 16, 2004 at 14:29

An annual gathering of Dene leaders and elders from across western Canada got underway in Dillon this morning.

The week-long gathering will feature various experts speaking to the assembly about issues concerning the Dene people — including land claims, access to natural resources and the preservation of the Dene language and culture.

Those assembled will also decide what role a new national Dene lobby group should play in governing.

The Denesuline National Council was officially created last year and functions much like the Assembly of First Nations — but it’s designed to specifically raise the profile of Dene issues.

Today’s agenda includes presentations and open discussions on Aboriginal law and the 1930 Natural Resource Transfer Agreement.

MBC will have live coverage of the gathering from 3 pm to 4 pm today, tomorrow and Wednesday.

The 2004 Dene Gathering wraps up on Sunday.