Northwest Territories First Nation marks progress on the advancement of
Thaidene Nene, a large new protected area in its traditional homeland

OTTAWA, Dec. 1 /CNW/ - The Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation hosted an event this evening in Ottawa to mark progress towards the protection of Thaidene Nene, the "Land of the Ancestors" in the eastern Northwest Territories. The event attracted myriad Members of Parliament from all parties, as well as government officials, repesentatives from the mining industry, and environmental organizations.

The past year has seen the rapid advancement of this conservation initiative. In April the First Nation and the Government of Canada signed the Thaidene Nene Framework Agreement. In September, formal discussions began between the parties towards an agreement to protect this great Canadian landscape. 

"The protection of Thaidene Nene has been a decades-long dream for the Lutsel K'e Dene," said Councillor Terri Enzoe. "Our elders and the leadership have long maintained that we have a responsibility to protect Thaidene Nene to ensure that our way of life can persist into the future. Given the progress we have made over the past year, we hope that this dream can soon become a reality, and that all Canadians can be inspired by this great place." 

Councillor Enzoe also made it clear that the First Nation is taking a partnership approach with Canada in the protection of Thaidene Nene, and that it will be seeking to strike a balance between ecological, cultural, and economic values in defining the boundaries of this protected area.

Background information on Thaidene Nene:

1. The Akaitcho Dene First Nations (of which the Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation is one), Canada, and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) agreed to create a side table to the Akaitcho treaty negotiation process to discuss provisions for a new protected area in Thaidene Nene. The Parties committed to create this side table in 2009-10 when their negotiators initialled the Akaitcho Process workplan for 2009-10.
2. In order to kickstart the side table, the LKDFN and Parks Canada spent the better part of 2009 developing a draft Thaidene Nene Framework Agreement that would guide side table discussions. The GNWT was requested to participate in the development of this framework agreement, but it declined.
3. The LKDFN agreed in principle to a draft framework agreement in May 2009, after a public membership meeting. Soon after, Parks Canada indicated that they were comfortable with the wording of the draft. 
4. On April 7, 2010, the LKDFN and Canada signed the Thaidene Nene Framework Agreement in Calgary. This agreement commits the parties to a Thaidene Nene Establishment Process, working together towards the execution of a Thaidene Nene Establishment Agreement, hopefully within a period of two years. The Establishment Agreement will include provisions for Thaidene Nene boundaries, management, operations, infrastructure, and First Nation participation.
5. With the signing of the Thaidene Nene Framework Agreement, Canada and the LKDFN officially recognized "Thaidene Nene" as the name of the proposed protected area.
6. Formal Thaidene Nene establishment discussions between Canada and the LKDFN commenced in September 2010. Execution of an Establishment Agreement will allow the Minister of the Environment to recommend to Parliament the legislated protection of Thaidene Nene.

Thaidene Nene History:

In 1969-70, the LKDFN rejects a national park proposal in their territory, due to uncertainties with how it might affect harvesting. Nonetheless, Canada withdraws through Order-In-Council lands and waters in the area for future consideration as a protected area.

In 2000-03, the LKDFN investigates modern relationships between protected areas and First Nations.

In 2004, the LKDFN formally resolves to enter into negotiations with Canada concerning a potential federally-protected area. At the same time, it is resolved that protected area discussions should fall under the auspices of the Akaitcho Process, a treaty negotiation initiative.

In 2005-06, the LKDFN identifies an area of interest for conservation named Thaidene Nene, the "Land of the Ancestors". In discussion with Canada, this area is refined into a "Preliminary Area of Interest" for further study and interim protection. 

In 2006, the LKDFN and Canada enter into a MOU to guide Thaidene Nene preparatory work, such as feasibility studies, resource and value assessments, and training and capacity enhancement.

In 2007, the "Preliminary Area of Interest" (33 000 km²) is withdrawn by Canada through Order-In-Council for a five-year period.

In 2009, the Ni hat'ni Dene Program is launched, training and promoting Lutsel K'e Dene as the stewards of Thaidene Nene, monitors of environmental and cultural integrity, and host to visitors. It is anticipated that the Ni hat'ni Dene will be the "face" of Thaidene Nene.

In 2010, formal Thaidene Nene establishment discussions commence.

For further information:

Stephen Ellis
Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation
P.O. Box 28 Lutsel K'e, NT  X0E 1A0
[phone]
[email protected]