Self Government in the REAL Birthplace of Hockey



The Ladies! Members of Deline’s self-government team and senior managers. Left to right – Christina Gaudet (Charter Community of Deline), Patricia Modeste (Self-Government), Paulina Roche (Deline First Nation), Stephanie Irlbacher-Fox (Political Advisor), Jane Modeste (interpreter)

 Alex Ker of Stonecircle counts herself fortunate again to have had the opportunity to spend a few days in the beautiful community of Deline, NWT – aka “the birthplace of hockey” (see below) - from May 30th to June 2nd at a workshop on the financial aspects of the Deline Final Self-Government Agreement (DFSGA).

One week earlier the Deline/Canada/GNWT Joint Finance and Implementation Working Group met in Vancouver to review financial offers tabled by governments,and to advance negotiations on the Financing Agreement that will underpin the DFSGA. The offers were presented to and discussed with leaders, Elders and senior managers in Deline, and a plan was made for Deline to prepare and submit a ‘counterproposal’ on the financing of this important self-government agreement.

While in Deline Alex and other members of the self-government team helped Stephanie Irlbacher Fox, Deline’s Political Advisor (and the human glue gun behind Deline’s self-government negotiations) celebrate her 40th birthday while watching the opening game of the Stanley Cup finals. For those not in the know, Deline IS the true birthplace of hockey. There is a record of the Franklin expedition overwintering there in 1825/26 and of hockey games being played on Grey Goose Lake.

The  Gentlemen! Members of Deline’s self-government team. Left to right – Walter Bayha (Director - Self Government), George Cleary (Yellowknife Self-Government Office) Danny Gaudet (Chief Negotiator), Elder Dolphus Baton, Stephen Mills (Financial Negotiator)