Deninu Kue First Nation signs on to N.W.T. devolution

The chief and council ofthe Deninu Kue First Nation in Fort Resolution, N.W.T., have voted to sign on to the territorialdevolution agreement.

The agreement transfers decision-making powers over lands and resources to the territory.

The DeninuKueFirst Nation is a member of the Akaitcho First Nations.

Chief Louis Balsillie says the Deninu Kue First Nation hasalways supported devolution but wasreluctant to sign on without the support of the other Akaitcho communities.

He says this week the band agreed they don't want to get left behind and miss out on the resource revenues that will be coming in.

Akaitchochief negotiator Don Balsillie says theLutsel'ke and the Yellowknives Denefirst nations will also decide in the next few weeks if they'll support the agreement.

Last summer the federal and territorial governments, along with five N.W.T. aboriginal groups, signed the final devolution deal.

Up until now, Dehcho and Akaitcho communities have held off supporting the agreement.

In a statement, Premier Bob McLeod saidhe's pleased the Deninu Kue First Nation will be signing on. The statement saidMcLeod is still working with the Dehcho, and that the Deneband in Fort Liard is also interested in signing on.