Yellowknives Dene says city boundary, Joliffe Island top unresolved issues

Yellowknives DeneChiefErnestBetsina says hehopes to work with the new Yellowknife city councilto resolve issues that include a longstanding boundary matter and ownership of Joliffe Island.

"I believe that both councils can work together and I believe that we can work on our relationships," he says.

"The biggest issue is the city boundary, becauseright now the city boundary goes on theDettahside of the road and so we want to change that. We want to start developing that area so we want the city to move that boundary line."

Betsinasays the band wants the boundary line movedcloser to the city.

Another issue is ownership ofJoliffeIsland. TheYellowknivesDenesay they used the land historically and want to reclaim it.Betsinasays the band met with city officials twice in the last couple of years.

• City, Yellowknives Dene in talks on Jolliffe Island heritage park

"I'm hoping that negotiations between them and us, that we can start discussionsbecause I would certainly like to get this resolved."

Yellowknives Dene on Yellowknife city council

Betsinasays asuggestion to set aside two seats on Yellowknife city council for YellowknivesDene membersis an interesting idea.

A representative fromDeneNajhomade the suggestion earlier this week.

"Ndilo and Dettah, we have only a certain amount of houses, so alot of our members are living in the City of Yellowknife itself," he says.

"So I believe if they want us to have one or two seats on city council, I mean that's a possibility. That's certainly a discussion for both councils to talk about."

Betsina stresses that his members also have a large interest in the Yellowknives Dene band council, which band members both run for and vote in during band elections.