N.W.T. Mtis Nation erects sign despite objection from K'atl'odeeche

A new highway sign welcoming people to Mtis territory just outside Hay River, N.W.T., and about two kilometres from the K'atl'odeeche First Nation is drawing mixed reviews.

The N.W.T. Mtis Nation's (NWTMN) sign went up on Tuesday, despite opposition from the K'atl'odeecheFirst Nation. The band does not recognize the Mtis unsettled claim which overlaps with a corridor of land falling within Treaty 8 lands.

The Mtis group recognizes the K'atl'odeeche First Nation land, but saidit is shared land that falls within the town boundaries of Hay River.

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On Thursday, Mtis presidents and their supporters from Hay River, Fort Resolution and Fort Smith gathered for a quick, but light-hearted photo op beneath the raised billboard which is five by two metres.

Among the smiles and laughter was a serious undertone.

"This [sign] is so the Mtis can feel like they have a home. They have been forgotten for 118 years. Left out. So, I think it's a great move to put up a sign that's letting the territories know there is a Mtis Nation here," said Garry Bailey, president of the NWTMN.

The group has been working on a land claim for more than 20 years.

"It is unfortunate that there are Aboriginal people who want to waste their time fighting against us," said Bailey in response to theK'atl'odeecheFirst Nation's opposition.

"We are Aboriginal people We are not saying this is our territory only; it's a shared territory and we are well aware of that."

First Nation 'disappointed'

Neither Chief April Martel, nor members of the K'atl'odeecheFirst Nation band council were present Thursday.

In a news release, the K'atl'odeecheFirst Nation said they view the sign as "disrespectful" and want it removed.

"If the sign is not removed in the immediate future, K'atl'odeeche First Nation will be taking decisive action," the release said.

The NWTMNsaid it plans to put up similar signs near Fort Smith and Fort Resolution next year.