Dehcho Collaborative Management AAROM Proposal; – Multi-Year starting April 2010

DEHCHO ______

Five Year - Multi-Year AAROM Collaborative Management Proposal For the Period beginning April 1, 2010

Dehcho First Nations PO. Box 89, , NT., X0E-0N0 Telephone: (867) 695 2610, Facsimile: (867) 695 2038 www.dehchofirstnations.com

Leads:

Ria Letcher, Executive Director Dora Tsetso, Finance Officer George Low, AAROM Coordinator

Proposal Prepared by:

George Low, AAROM Coordinator 13 Riverview Drive Hay River, NT., X0E 0R7 Phone; 867 874 3359 Cell; 867 874 1248 e-mail; [email protected]

Dehcho First Nations 1 Dehcho Collaborative Management AAROM Proposal; – Multi-Year starting April 2010

A. Applicant Eligibility Information

Recipient Organization:

Dehcho First Nations PO Box 89 Fort Simpson, NT, X0E 0N0. Ph. (867) 695-2610 Fax: (867) 695-2038 www.dehchofirstnations.com

Lead Contacts:

George Low Ria Letcher Dora Tsetso AAROM Office PO Box 89 PO Box 89 13 Riverview Drive Fort Simpson, NT Fort Simpson, NT Hay River, NT, X0E 0R7 X0E 0N0 X0E 0N0 Ph.: (867) 874-3359 Ph (867) 695-2610 Ph(867) 695-2610 Cell: (867) 874-1248

• Ria Letcher, Executive Director E-mail: [email protected] • George Low, Dehcho AAROM Coordinator E-mail: [email protected] • Dora Tsetso, Finance Officer E-mail: [email protected]

Organizational Information

The Dehcho First Nations (DFN) was established as a ‘regional ’ in the early 1990s to represent the regional and territorial Aboriginal interests of and Métis indigenous to the of the . The Dehcho Dene1 are direct descendents of the people who have inhabited and used the Dehcho landscape since time immemorial. In 1921, was signed by Dehcho leaders, but the nature and intent of the treaty has been challenged and a ‘contemporary treaty’ is currently under negotiation between DFN and . This negotiation process is referred to as the Dehcho Process and encompasses lands, resources, and self-government issues.

DFN’s primary mandate is to represent its member First Nation and Métis governments in negotiations with Canada. As a component of this process, and in order to ensure regional protection of the Aboriginal interests of its members, DFN has established three long-term goals:

1 The term Dehcho Dene includes both First Nation and Métis peoples.

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• Public government for the Dehcho region based on Dene principles and traditions; this government must also protect and promote Treaty and Aboriginal rights; • Protection of the Dehcho land base so that the land remains healthy and capable of supporting traditional land use activities; and • Sustainable economic development that balances regional and community interests (Source: http://www.dehchofirstnations.com/dehcho_government.htm).

DFN is also acknowledged by the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (DIAND) and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) as the regional administrative body for the Dehcho Dene. In this capacity, DFN administers a wide range of regional funding and programming on behalf of its member governments, such as Aboriginal language revitalization funding, Aboriginal Human Resource Development Strategy (AHRD) funding; Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP) funding; and Mackenzie Gas Project Impact Funding. The total annual budget for the Dehcho First Nations is approximately $10 million, much of which is flowed through to the member communities for programming and service delivery.

Within the Dehcho Region, DFN represents the following member governments (see detailed contact information in Appendix A):

• Deh Gah Got’ie Dene Band; • K’atl’odeeche First Nation; • First Nation; • K’agee Tu First Nation; • Liidlii Kue First Nation; • Dene Band; • ; • Sambaa Ke Dene Band; • ; • Fort Simpson Métis Local 52 ; and • Metis Local 57.

The total population of the Dehcho Dene and Métis is approximately 4500.

The AAROM Body

The Dehcho First Nations (DFN), as the "AAROM Body", is ultimately responsible for directing and administrating the Dehcho AAROM program. The DFN Executive Director provides direction to the program and manages the administrative support of the program. The AAROM Coordinator position is dedicated entirely to the program and broad duties are to organize and run the AAROM program. DFO Employee 6/15/10 12:24 PM Comment: Expand and link to strategic plan

Dehcho First Nations 3 Dehcho Collaborative Management AAROM Proposal; – Multi-Year starting April 2010

The Dehcho Watershed Ecosystem Advisory Committee (the Advisory Committee)

Dehcho First Nations (DFN), through a process of consultation with its members2, has established the Dehcho Watershed Ecosystem Advisory Committee (DWEAC) to assist in the fulfillment of DFN’s goal to ‘protect the Dehcho land base’. This Advisory Committee provides community based participation in advising the DFN on the direction of the program. The members of this Advisory Committee bring community concerns to the table and advise on program direction. A preliminary ‘terms of reference’ for the Committee were prepared during previous capacity building initiatives (see Appendix B) and will guide the Advisory Committee during the capacity building and collaborative management stages. All Aboriginal organizations in the Dehcho ARROM area are each year invited to participate in the AAROM program. DFN’s member governments and Dehcho Métis organizations who want to participate in the Dehcho AAROM program, will appoint one voting representative to the Advisory Committee (as well as an alternate). Non-voting membership on the Committee has been extended to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Dehcho First Nations, and the AAROM Coordinator who acts as facilitator at the spring and fall meetings. The Advisory Committee will operate under the authority of Dehcho First Nations, so overriding accountability for financial and program management of the Collaborative management AAROM projects will rest with the Dehcho First Nations. The Dehcho First Nation’s headquarters are located in the Community of Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories. The AAROM Coordinator has an office in the community of Hay River.

Geographic Parameters:

The Dehcho AAROM program will operate within the geographic area that currently falls within the Dehcho Process. This area is located in the Dehcho Region of the Northwest Territories, as illustrated on the map below. It encompasses approximately 210,000 square kilometers.

2 Terra Firma Consultants. (May 2005). Aboriginal Aquatic Resources and Oceans Management Program – Phase A: Report on Consultations.

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This area of land also falls within the land planning mandate of the Dehcho Land Use Planning Committee (DLUPC), which was established in 2002 as a component of the Dehcho Process. DLUPC is a tripartite group made up of DFN, DIAND, and the GNWT. Its mission and principles are as follows:

Mission: The Dehcho Land Use Planning Committee will develop a land use plan as a management tool to determine what type of land use activities should occur and where they should take place. This plan will balance economic, social, environmental and cultural needs and interests.

Guiding Principle: This plan will be guided by the principles of sustainable development and respect for the land as understood and explained by the Dehcho elders.

Given overlapping interests in sustainable resource management, linkages with the DLUPC will be established by the Advisory Committee as a component of this Collaborative Management initiative.

According to the DLUPC, the Dehcho Region encompasses several major sub-basins – including Great Slave, the Liard, and the Mackenzie Great Bear basins – and contains fifteen distinct and interconnected watersheds, all of which eventually flow into the Dehcho (). These watersheds, as mapped by the DLUPC, are illustrated below. All of the watersheds contain traditional and contemporary areas and sites for fish harvesting and are of interest to the Advisory Committee.

The northern border of the Committee’s area of interest is defined by the Land Claim settlement, which is also the northern boundary of the Dehcho Process. Given that

Dehcho First Nations 5 Dehcho Collaborative Management AAROM Proposal; – Multi-Year starting April 2010 there are overlapping watershed issues with the Sahtu, the Advisory Committee will establish communication links with the appropriate Sahtu resource management bodies regarding fisheries issues of joint interest.

The eastern end of the Dehcho Region extends into Great Slave Lake and therefore overlaps with the AAROM “Great Slave Lake Watershed Advisory Committee” established through the Akaitcho Territory Government. Initially, three Dehcho communities were accepted as voting members of the above AAROM Committee. However, since 2009, Dehcho members have not been invited to Great Slave Lake Watershed Advisory meetings and have not been included Great Slave Lake AAROM activities and projects. Given these overlapping interests, as a component of this Collaborative Management project, a working relationship and set of operational protocols need to be established between the Akaitcho Territory Government and the Dehcho First Nations as well as the Tlicho, WRRB and Northwest Territories Métis Nation regarding AAROM programming and management issues.

The Dehcho First Nations will continue to be involved with the management of fisheries on Great Slave Lake through their membership on the Great Slave Lake Advisory Committee (GSLAC). Further collaboration between the Dehcho, the Akaitcho and the Tlicho as well as other users of the GSL resource needs to be established. The leadership in Dehcho communities which use Great Slave Lake presently do not feel adequately represented in the GSLAC which has lopsided membership structure which favours the commercial fishery. We will use the AAROM body to assist in addressing management issues with Great Slave Lake and the GSLAC.

The Dehcho Dene and Métis have already asserted their interest in playing a significant role in the management of lands and waters within the Dehcho Region. They have done so through the ongoing negotiation of the Dehcho Process and through the establishment of the Dehcho Land Use Planning Committee and development of a Dehcho Land Use Plan. The proposed work of the Dehcho AAROM and the Dehcho Watershed Ecosystem Advisory Committee will be a natural extension of these initiatives and will compliment and enhance the capacity of the Dehcho Dene and Métis to play a significant role in aquatic management within the region.

DFO Employee 6/16/10 9:05 AM Reporting History: Comment: Add a paragraph stating something along the lines of: Parties will work with DFO on the development of a process in collaboration with other As noted earlier, the Dehcho First Nations currently administers a wide range of partners on GSL territorial and federal programming and program funding on behalf of its member governments. It has already administered AAROM funding over the course of four fiscal years and, through this funding, has carried out community consultations, developed a terms of reference for an AAROM Committee, and has prepared draft working and strategic plans to help guide this Committee.

DFN has both internal and external reporting requirements. Internally, DFN is governed by the chiefs of its member First Nations and presidents of its member Métis governments. The leaders meet at least 4 times per year to review policy and operational

Dehcho First Nations 6 Dehcho Collaborative Management AAROM Proposal; – Multi-Year starting April 2010 issues. In between leadership meetings, DFN activities are monitored on a regular basis by an Executive Committee appointed by the leadership. The Executive Director reports to the Executive Committee and is accountable to the membership once a year at the Dehcho Annual Assembly.

Externally, DFN provides quarterly financial reports to its funding agencies, primarily DIAND and the GNWT. It also is required to provide annual reports for all funded programs and is audited each year. The current auditor is Robert Stewart. The audit is presented and reviewed annually by members at the Dehcho Assembly. Once completed, the most recent auditor’s summary (for the 2008-2009 fiscal year) will be forwarded directly by DFN to DFO if and when requested. DFN is currently in good financial standing with INAC and with the GNWT.

Commitment to Conservation and Sustainable Resource Management

The Dehcho First Nations has clearly expressed its commitment to sustainable resource management since its inception. The Dehcho Declaration, passed in 1993, states (in part) that “We were put here by the Creator as keepers of our waters and lands.”

In 2002, with the establishment of the Dehcho Land Use Planning Committee through the Dehcho Process, a mechanism was put into place to ensure that a long-term vision for sustainable land and resource management was developed and implemented within the Dehcho Region.

With respect to fisheries management, member governments have been actively involved in the Great Slave Lake Advisory Committee (GSLAC) and the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (AFS). The Katlodeeche and West Point first nations have been active participants in GSLAC for over twenty years and have played a role in reviewing mesh sizes, zones, and harvesting limits on Great Slave Lake, as well as restricting harvesting of inconnu around the mouth of Big Buffalo River. Members from both First Nations have also been involved in commercial harvesting activities for decades.

Regarding AFS, DFO has been involved with individual bands since 1994 and has funded three multi-year projects along with other shorter-term projects. The main projects funded by DFO through AFS include the following: • Jean Marie River First Nation funded (2001) for seven days of experimental fishing on the Dehcho (Mackenzie) to record catch/effort and population characterization (tissue sampling), and again in 2002-3 experimental gillnet fishery on Ekali Lake. • Jean Marie River and Liidlii Kue were funded from 1996-2000, to sample and establish baseline data on fish stocks in the twelve most popular Aboriginal fishing lakes (Cli, Deep, Little Doctor, Sibbeston, Tseto, Willow, etc.) as published in the 2003 data report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (1127). • In , Acho Dene Koe was funded in 2000-2002 for eleven days to set nets and sample Bull Trout on the Liard River. • In the late 1990’s DFO held two “Working near Water Workshops” in Ft. Liard and Ft. Simpson.

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• At Ts’ueh Nda (West Point First Nation) a band member was contracted in 2000 to be part of a team collecting whitefish samples from Great Slave Lake. • At K’atl’odeeche, a fisherman and was contracted in 2005 to sample the Hay River Domestic Area. • Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation was funded from 2000-2005 for monitoring work, gill net fishing and field sampling (summer and winter) on and Tathlina lakes (also Kakisa river). The commercial fishing licenses for these two lakes are held by community members. • The monitoring of the Trout Lake sport fishery (started in 2000) as a project of Sambaa K’e, NT. The focus has been on the effects of relatively unmonitored sports fishing. Unlike the previously listed short-term community based projects, multi year funding builds fisheries management capacity at Sambaa K’e for the Trout Lake and associated tributaries. Dene collected survey information on catch by species, catch per unit/effort and location of sports fishing activities. As a result of the program the catch and possession limits were reduced and a moratorium put in place for commercial fishing. Dehcho First Nations thru AFS and G&C funding replaced the boat previously used with a larger boat more suited to a large lake. • Other fisheries monitoring involves the food fishery at Deh Gah Gotie (Fort Providence) started in 1992. DGGFN is contracted by DFO to survey the food fishery on the Dehcho (Mackenzie) and Horn rivers. Annual harvest stats are collected. Ownership of an 18" aluminum boat was transferred to the Band (March 2006) to improve work of monitors and as a result of the boat transfer at Sambaa K’e.

AAROM Mission Statement In its recently finalized Strategic Plan3, the following interim mission statement was established for the Dehcho AAROM program: More Aboriginal control of fish and water resources under the Dehcho First Nation’s ‘One House’ system of governance -- involving local resource users and enhancing employment and educational opportunities for Dene youth.

This mission complements the Dehcho First Nation’s 2003 Strategic Plan mission statement, which calls for “A strong nation exercising the benefits of self-government and sustainable economic development while continuing to maintain the integrity of our homeland, Dene/Métis traditions, and guided by the teaching of our elders.”

3 Terra Firma Consultants. (2007). Strategic Plan to Implement AAROM in the Dehcho.

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B. Project Proposal: Multi-Year starting April 1, 2010

Introduction

This proposal is being submitted as a multi-year proposal under the Collaborative Management (CM) component of the DFO AAROM program. Detailed work-plans and an updated strategic plan will be submitted at the start of each fiscal year. The Dehcho First Nation (DFN) has carried out preliminary CB initiatives in 2005, 2006, and most DFO Employee 6/16/10 9:07 AM Comment: N eed to reference that this is a subset recently between November 2007 and September 2008 with an extension to March 2009. of a multiyear plan….what are they going to achieve The DFN completed a one year CM agreement in 2009-2010 in preparation for this ? need to clarify over what term. year’s multi-year proposal. The criteria for multi-year CM have already been met in most cases; financial and reporting skills have been demonstrated; the Dehcho AAROM Committee has been established and is functional; an AAROM office has been established; and an AAROM Coordinator has been contracted.

Strategic Plan

Dehcho Watershed AAROM Program

“We were put here by the Creator as keepers of the waters and lands.”

Dehcho First Nations 9 Dehcho Collaborative Management AAROM Proposal; – Multi-Year starting April 2010

The Dehcho AAROM program receives guidance from Dehcho First Nations, community leaders, elders and by the Dehcho Watershed Ecosystem Advisory Committee. The Committee’s mandate is to;

“…protect and preserve the rights of all Aboriginal peoples to healthy waters, fish stocks and aquatic environments in the Dehcho.”

The Mission of the Dehcho AAROM program is to develop;

 “More Aboriginal control of fish and water resources under the Dehcho First Nation’s ‘One House’ system of governance -- involving local resource users and enhancing employment and educational opportunities for Dene youth.”

OUR GOALS

1. A major goal is to protect our watershed; rehabilitate and maintain for uncontaminated, clean water and healthy aquatic ecosystems in the Dehcho. 2. A major goal is to co-manage sustainable fisheries that respect the rights of the Dehcho Dene to harvest fish for sustenance, cultural and economic reasons. 3. A major goal is to build partnerships with government, NGO’s, Colleges and Universities and other relevant groups in order to achieve our other goals. 4. A major goal is to integrate traditional knowledge into aquatic resource management decision making and to provide community outreach, stewardship and awareness activities 5. A major goal is to continue to build individual and community capacity.

Goal 1: To protect our watershed; rehabilitate and maintain uncontaminated, clean water and healthy aquatic ecosystems in the Dehcho.

• Become fully involved in the management and decision making processes in the watershed. • Develop a community-based aquatic monitoring program to document current ecosystem health and track changes in the watershed. • Participate in the “NWT Water Stewardship Strategy” by providing advice and aquatic monitoring information. • Collaborate with government researchers to determine the current levels of contaminants in the water and fish in the Dehcho area. • Conduct assessment programs such as the Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network program (CABiN) to document stream health pre-development.

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• When development such as mining or the MGP occur, be involved in the permit review process in order to have input to avoid or minimize habitat damage. • Insist that developers are required to hire community members as project environmental monitors. • Develop watershed management plans. • Provide national and international awareness of environmental damage and pollution affecting our waters through river transport from upstream development such as hydro dams and tar sands development, long-range airborne contaminants and climate change effects by Dehcho leaders and harvesters speaking at conferences such as “The Keepers of the Waters” conferences.

Goal 2: To co-manage sustainable fisheries in a manner that respects the rights of the Dehcho Dene to harvest fish for sustenance, cultural and economic reasons.

• Participate in the “Great Slave Lake Advisory Committee” meetings to ensure issues and concerns of affected Dehcho communities involving the management of Great Slave Lake fisheries are taken into account. • To strengthen First Nation membership on the GSLAC in order to be more effective in promoting Aboriginal issues and concerns. • Commercial fishery development; Provide guidance to Dehcho communities on programs available to assist them in becoming involved or increasing their involvement in commercial fisheries. • Involvement in the DFO Regional Advisory Process (RAP) and Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP) process. • Develop watershed management plans to compliment the “Dehcho Land Use Management Plan”. • Provide advice directly to DFO on the management of Dehcho fish stocks and fisheries. • Co-operate with DFO and other government departments by participating in fishery monitoring, stock assessment, habitat and contaminant monitoring projects. • Provide advice on fish stocks based on the “Ecological Traditional Knowledge” of elders and harvesters • Report problems associated with fish health, fish quality and fish habitat

Goal 3; To build partnerships with government and other groups in order to achieve the proceeding goals.

• Establish a strong partnership with DFO

Dehcho First Nations 11 Dehcho Collaborative Management AAROM Proposal; – Multi-Year starting April 2010

o in order to assist in coordinating and administering the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (AFS) program in the Dehcho region of the NWT. o In order to access other programs • Establish a strong partnership with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) o In order to establish a strong community-based monitoring program under the Cumulative Impacts Monitoring Program (CIMP) o In order to build a partnership with researchers involved with the Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) o In order to access other programs available to Dehcho Bands. o In order to participate in the NWT Water Stewardship Strategy • Establish strong partnership with Environment Canada (E.C.) o In order to collaborate with contaminant study researchers o In order to participate in the “CABiN” stream assessment program • Establish strong partnerships with the GNWT; ENR and ITI. o NWT Water Stewardship Strategy o Youth initiatives • Establish or maintain partnerships with Aurora College and other colleges and Universities o To access training courses such as EMTP, SVOPC and Med 3. o To involve University programs and post graduate students in aquatic research • Establish working relationships with other organizations such as the Wek’eezhii Renewable Resources Board, the Akaitcho AARROM program, the NWT Métis Nation AAROM program, the NWT Fisherman’ Federation etc. in order to participate in the management of Great Slave Lake fisheries.

Goal 4: To integrate traditional knowledge into aquatic resource management decision making and to provide community outreach, stewardship and awareness activities

• Elders and harvesters involved with advice and decision making at the community level • Elders sit at the table during Dehcho leadership meetings and are a part of the Dehcho leadership discussions and decision making process. • Elders become a part of the community-based monitoring program and provide information and advice. • Community Resource Management Boards or Committees, Band Councils and administrators become a part of the AAROM program and are kept informed about activities. • Youth are involved by supporting “Youth and Elder Science and Culture Camps”.

Goal 5: To continue to build individual and community capacity by

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• Organizing and supporting community-based projects administered by the community First Nation administration. • Organizing formal training programs as well as on the job training. • Involving community members in local projects and the creation of employment of youth and other community members. • Encouraging continuing education especially for youth. • Building an AAROM contingent in each of the Dehcho communities enabling them to manage their resource management affairs.

Goal 6: To take part in the collaborative management of Great Slave Lake aquatic resources

• By becoming a member of a Great Slave Lake “secretariat” along with DFO and with other Aboriginal groups in order to facilitate collaborating and communicating with each other and DFO regarding fisheries management and fish habitat issues on Great Slave Lake. • By taking the opportunity to engage in collaborative planning and cost sharing of projects that occur in the area of overlap between Aboriginal groups. o With this idea is in its infancy this fiscal year, activities would likely consist of planning and sharing ideas about construction and framework of such a secretariat, in anticipation of engaging in a more substantial way in the future. o In the interim, the Dehcho AAROM will pursue other avenues of communication and collaboration where appropriate.

DFO Employee 6/15/10 12:23 PM Work-plan template April 1, 2010 – March 31, 2011 Comment: What’s missing is an organization chart for the program – coordinator, biologist – how does the AAROM body fit into the Dehcho

Dehcho First Nations 13 Dehcho Collaborative Management AAROM Proposal; – Multi-Year starting April 2010

Proposed Activities to Assigned Timeline Outcome/ achieve joint priority Lead(e.g.communities, person etc. depending Deliverables on activity) Priority # 1 1.Five year multi-year AAROM Coordinator 1st quarter Multi-year AAROM CM proposal proposal to DFO Work AAROM Coordinator 2.Strategic planning and consultant Completion Nine community nd planning session with each of in 2 quarter plans; strategic nine communities plan for program (possibly INAC-CIMP funded)

3.Informal work- AAROM Coordinator & Nine community planning with the st Biologist 1 quarter projects planned administration and staff of each community First

Nation or Métis organization AAROM Coord. ongoing Incorp. TK into AAROM projects 4.TK planning Priority # 2 1. Contract AAROM DFN April, 2010 Position staffed Coordinator Staffing & Position staffed; 2.Hire AAROM Biologist P Y of Aboriginal DFN May, 2010 employment 3. travel DFN To 4th Coord. & Biol. l quarter Administration DFN AAROM CM Administer program To 4th program administered quarter Priority # 3 1.Develop standard AAROM Coord., DFO, 1st quarter Standard protocols; Sci & TK Ec and INAC protocol a).Community- developed based monitoring – 2.Acquire required AAROM Coordinator program equipment 1st quarter Projects properly development equipped 3.Contract First Nations 1st quarter to hire community DFN & FN’s Monitors hired; monitors Ab. employment To 4th

Coordinator & quarter; 4.On job training of Biologist ongoing Monitors trained community monitors th Nine participating To 4 5.Summer and Winter communities quarter and monitoring projects ongoing Nine community- based 1.Involvement with the monitoring

- Cameron Hills – aquatic portion of this K’a’agee FN , Cross projects Tathlina Lake K’a’agee Tu FN; INAC Current Env. completed project regarding “Oil ongoing monitoring study Consultants,AAROM

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and Gas” production in Coord. or Biologist Annual reporting the area completed

Priority # 4 1.Supporting and AAROM Coord. ongoing Strong working collaborating with relationships built Building a FN Resource Mgmt. with member working Boards communities relationship with 2.Working with FN AAROM Coord. ongoing community FN’s leadership and & biologist and Metis admin. organizations Priority # 5 1. Participating in Coordinator & To 4th 50 samples aquatic contaminant E.C. - Dr. quarter; collected; scientific Collaborating in research Marlene Evans) ongoing report Scientific research 2. Participating in Coordinator, DFO 1st and 2nd Climate Change & INAC & quarter; Data collected on research Sambaa Ke Ongoing water temperature and clarity, DO, pH, 3. Participating in DFO; Katlodeeche To 4th TDS, conductivity the Great Slave Lake FN; Coordinator quarter; 20 inconnu inconnu stock ID ongoing specimen collected study

1.Regional Youth Community camp Priority # 6 and Elder Ecology host 2nd quarter Twelve youth Camp mentored in aquatic Community stewardship, etc outreach, 2.Rivers to Oceans DFO; AAROM stewardship & Day Biologist 1st quarter 350 school students awareness thru displays and activities 3. Deh Gah Gotie Deh Gah Gotie activities FN science and AAROM Biol. 2nd quarter 20 youth educated Involvement of culture camp in aquatic youth and elders stewardship, etc.

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4.Two harvesters to DFN AAROM 2nd quarter Concerns about attend “Water water issues Gathering” in Sask. expressed at a With Grand Chief national conference

5. two other Host community To 4th community science AAROM Biol. quarter 20 youth mentored and culture camps Priority # 7 1.Two Advisory AAROM 2nd & 4th AAROM planning Committee meetings Coordinator quarters and direction Dehcho to provide update on enhanced Watershed Dehcho AAROM Ecosystem business & discuss Advisory watershed mgmt. Committee and planning.

Priority # 8 1.GSLAC member GSLAC member 1st to 4th Enhanced Participate in the and observers at & Coordinator quarter participation of the management of GSLAC meetings Dehcho in fish stocks and 2.Review GSL Rap AAROM Coord. 1st quarter management fisheries for for inconnu decisions GSL and other 3. IFMP working AAROM Coord. To 4th fisheries. group member for quarter GSL whitefish 4.Review Tathlina Ka’a’gee Tu FN 1st quarter Lake walleye RAP and AAROM Coordinator 6. Member of AAROM Coord. Fiscal year Secretariat GSL secretariat & affected FN’s functional 7. Communication and collab. AAROM Coord. Fiscal year CM contribution With other & affected FN’s to mgmt. of GSL Abor. Gps and DFO

Priority # 9 1.Coordinate and Maintain and direct AFS activities DFN Coordinator To 4th Manage fisheries develop in the Dehcho and FN’s quarter and fisheries partnerships monitoring and research in the 2.Develop a AAROM To 4th Dehcho collaborative Coordinator and quarter Increased monitoring program FN’s monitoring and with INAC employment in communities

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3.Develop AAROM To 4th Expanded AAROM partnerships with Coordinator and quarter program; activities other govt. FN’s doubled departments and NGO’s

Priority # 10 Organize training AAROM To 4th Trained renewable programs for Coordinator quarter resource workforce Training community workers available in communities 1.College certificate; DFN ASEP & To 4th 20 students with EMTP, SVOPC, AAROM quarter certificates Med 3, First Aid & coordinators CPR, computer courses, etc. Priority # 11 1.Update webpage AAROM Coord. Ongoing All parties informed on a regular basis & biologist about what’s going Communications 2.Logo contest and AAROM Coord. 2nd quarter on in the AAROM development of logo program 3.communicate with member FN’s on a AAROM staff ongoing Well informed regular basis by membership phone, e-mail and in person visits

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C. Budget Request: April 2010 to March 31, 2011

AAROM Projected Budget – April 2010 to March 31, 2011

Priority 2 - Staffing and Administration - Coordinator and biologist positions –wages and benefits 148 000.00 - Program travel 20 000.00 DFO Employee 6/15/10 12:25 PM Comment: Break out cost of each position - Administrative costs; o Office & storage space rental 7 200.00 o Office supplies, operations – phone 10 000.00 o Audit expenses 1 000.00 o Administrative services – 2 days per month 6 500.00 o Financial services – 3 days per month 7 500.00 o Reception services – 2 days per month 3 600.00 o Travel and meeting arrangements – 3 days per month 6 600.00

Priority 3 – Community-based monitoring program - DFN contracts with community First Nations 90 000.00 - Acquire equipment 5 000.00 DFO Employee 6/15/10 12:25 PM Comment: What are the contracts for? - Also partner funded activities

Priority 6 – Community outreach, stewardship & awareness activities - Regional Youth and Elder Ecology Camp 20 000.00 - Deh Gah Gotie “Science and Culture Camp” 10 000.00 - Water Gathering conference – Saskatchewan 3 000.00 - Two other community Youth & Elder activities 5 600.00

Priority 7 – Dehcho Watershed Ecosystem Advisory Committee Activities - Fall and Spring meetings 35 000.00

Priority 10 – Great Slave Lake Advisory Committee meeting - Send one observer to meeting 1 000.00

Priority 13 – Training - Organize formal training opportunities for members - (Highly leveraged) 10 000.00

Priority 14 – Communications 10 000.00

- Total $ 400 000.00

NOTE: Priorities not listed above are either paper exercises, covered by travel budget or are partner funded.

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Appendix A: Dehcho First Nation Member Governments

Deh Gah Gotie Dene Band Box 200 Fort Providence, NT, X0E 0L0 TEL: 867-699-7000 Fax : 867-699-3134 [email protected]

Katlodeeche First Nation Tthetseke’Deli (JMR First Nation) PO Box 3060 General Delivery , NT, X0E 1G4 Jean Marie River, NT, X0E 0N0 TEL: 867-874-6701 TEL: 867-809-2000 Fax: 867-874-3229 Fax: 867-809-2002 [email protected] [email protected]

Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation Liidlii Kue First Nation PO Box 4428 PO Box 469 Hay River, NT, X0E 1G3 Fort Simpson, NT, X0E 0N0 TEL: 867-825-2000 TEL: 867-695-3131 Fax: 867-825-2002 Fax: 867-695-2665 [email protected] [email protected]

Nahanni Butte Dene Band Pehdzeh Ki First Nation Nahanni Butte, NT, X0E 0N0 Wrigley, NT, X0E 1E0 TEL: 867-602-2900 TEL: 867-581-3321 Fax: 867-602-2910 Fax: 867-581-3229 [email protected]

Sambaa Ke Dene Band Ts’ueh Nda (West Point First Nation)* PO Box 10 #1-47031 Mackenzie Hwy Trout Lake, NT, X0E 1Z0 Hay River, NT, X0E 0R9 TEL: 867-206-2800 TEL: 867-874-6677 Fax : 867-206-2828 Fax : 867-874-2486 [email protected]

Fort Simpson Métis Local 52 Fort Providence Metis Local 57* PO Box 408 PO Box 319 Fort Simpson, NT, X0E 0N0 Fort Providence, NT, X0e 0L0 TEL : 867-695-2431 Tel. 867 699-4320 Fax : 867-695-2040 Fax. 867 699-4319 [email protected] [email protected]

Dehcho First Nations 19 Dehcho Collaborative Management AAROM Proposal; – Multi-Year starting April 2010

Appendix B: Preliminary Terms of Reference for Dehcho Watershed Ecosystem Advisory Committee (DWEAC)

Preamble We the Aboriginal peoples have been here since time immemorial. It is the responsibility of everyone to protect and respect the Dehcho watershed ecosystems. This is an invitation to take care of Denendeh. The health of past, present and future fisheries are of central importance to Aboriginal cultural identity, economies, spirituality, and physical well-being. The Dehcho is building watershed management based on Aboriginal cultures, values and principles, including traditional land users. Advising Dehcho First Nations on watershed ecosystems management is the responsibility of the committee. Sustainable development of the Dehcho depends on effective collaborative management.

Glossary of terms/definitions Watershed: includes the aquatic environment and fisheries. From Dene perspectives we mean – an ecosystem (Tat sa) that lives on and in water. Lakebeds and river-beds, surface and sub- surface transitional zones are included as part of Dehcho ecosystems. Watersheds include rivers, streams and lakes, marshes and wetlands, as well as glaciers and permafrost.

Economies: the economy is one aspect of social-cultural relationships, and includes traditional economy and wage economy, different forms of economy exist. Traditional economy is the harvesting and gathering of traditional foods, land use, the distribution of goods and services based on sharing and reciprocity. Traditional economy is based on cultural practices relative to a traditional territory.

Community: First Nations and Métis, including their organizations and agencies. There are other cultural and professional communities, but as it is used in the Terms of Reference we are referring to Dene and Métis.

Sustainable development: As noted in the Brundtland Report: economy, ecology, culture compose all part of sustainable development. In practices sustainable development in the Dehcho reflects Dene and Métis traditional economic activities based on the principle of conservation and wise use of natural resources for future generations.

Effective: Meaning good. A value we strive to achieve. Based on a results oriented assessment of our interventions.

Robust ecosystem: Ecological systems theory sees ecosystems as alive and moving through biological cycles. Systems, when disturbed (sudden change, intense shock, etc.) committee of the parties with change; however, shocks to systems can create flips in them. Robust systems can adapt and committee of the parties with change. Healthy ecosystems with a high threshold for change (adaptive capacity) are considered robust.

1. Purpose4

4 Specific goals for fiscal year 2006-2007: A. Formalize a consultative process for the participating communities B. Initiate collaborative management

Dehcho First Nations 20 Dehcho Collaborative Management AAROM Proposal; – Multi-Year starting April 2010

.1 The committee is mandated by the leadership of the Dehcho First Nations.

.2 Dene and Métis have agreed to establish a collaborative management agreement at a regional level which is supported by the Dehcho First Nations and the Government of Canada (Dept. of Fisheries & Oceans –DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND OCEANS, Aboriginal Aquatic Resources and Ocean Management – AAROM).

.3 The advice of the COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES will be useful to DEHCHO FIRST NATIONS in negotiations and discussions with the Crown and commercial interests.

.4 The authority for natural resource management in the Dehcho is a shared responsibility of the Dehcho leadership and Canada, until the Dehcho Final Agreement is implemented.

.5 The committee of the parties advises leadership about the integrity (robust ecosystems) of community-based/traditional fisheries and aquatic resources in the Dehcho.

.6 The work of the COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES is to protect and preserve the rights of all Aboriginal peoples to healthy waters, fish stocks and aquatic environments in the Dehcho.

.7 Independent and third party analysis water quality monitoring based on the land and in Aboriginal communities is of special importance to the COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES. Developing monitoring will require partnerships among several federal government departments, who share responsibility for water quality, in collaboration with the COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES.

.8 Information generated and gathered by the COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES must be communicated back to community members.

.9 The COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES affirms inherent Dene and Métis title as it is told to us by our Elders, also described in oral history of Treaty 11 and , and fully expressed through the Dehcho Process.

.10 The COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES establishes, evaluates, and adapts/adopts working principles to guide our work to achieve responsible fisheries and aquatic resource management.

.10.1 The COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES will increase the ability of each party, including individuals in each community, so we have the technical abilities, based on traditional knowledge and western science, to effectively manage Dehcho fisheries and aquatic resources.

1.11 Each of the parties identifies: • Priorities • Information needs • Collaborative management initiatives

C. Address collaborative management opportunities for the communities D. Finalize a three year AAROM proposal

Dehcho First Nations 21 Dehcho Collaborative Management AAROM Proposal; – Multi-Year starting April 2010

• Institutional structures • Practices • Projects • Policies

1.11.1 The COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES shall, where directed, assist to initiate community-based: • Priorities • Information needs • Collaborative management initiatives • Institutional structures • Practices • Projects • Policies

1.12 The COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES establishes a permanent committee secretariat and calls for a conference (at least two per year) of all parties.

1.12.1 Discussion papers and briefing notes will be prepared by the Secretariat for the COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES.

1.12.2 Work of the COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES is approved by leadership, based on a work plan and budget prepared by the Secretariat.

1.13 The COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES elects a chairman for each meeting, usually from the host community; ensuring participating communities build political and technical expertise.

1.14 The COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES actively strengthens governance and management relationships by fostering a cooperative and respectful working relationship among members.

1.15 It is vitally important all Dene and Métis share in the management of lands and resources, and we understand and agree on the methods and practice to manage our conduct in relations to the land and water.

2. Committee Structure

2.1 Dene and Métis have agreed the parties to the committee will initially be comprised of representatives from each of the following governments:

The ten Dene communities, which are: • Deh Gah Got’ie Dene Council (Ft. Providence) • Jean Marie River First Nation • Katlodeeche (Hay River Dene Reserve) • Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation (Kakisa) • Liidlii Kue First Nation (Ft. Simpson) • Nahanni Butte Dene Band • Pehdzeh Ki Dene Band (Wrigley) • Sambaa K’e Dene Band (Trout Lake) • West Point First Nation (Ts’ueh Nda)

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and the following Métis Councils: • Fort Providence Métis Council • Fort Simpson Métis Council

2.1.2 The Crown, through the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, is a non-voting member of the committee of the parties.

2.1.3 The Secretariat is represented at the COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES by the co- coordinator who is a non-voting member.

2.1.4 Dehcho First Nations is represented at the committee of the parties and this person is a non-voting committee member.

2.1.5 Other members can petition to join the committee.

2.2 Decision making: If a committee member or alternate is unable to attend in person, or by phone, they may choose to give their proxy to another committee member. Written proxies will be acceptable if a voting member present has a signed letter (on band letterhead specifically for the meeting); and, each voting member can only carry one additional proxy.

2.2.1 Quorum: It is necessary at meetings where decisions are being made that adequate representation is present. Without quorum no decisions related to budget and management can be made. Quorum is established when ¾’s (75%) of recognized member are present.

2.2.2 Consensus governance: Decisions of the committee are made by consensus.

2.2.3 When there are issues concerning conflicts over jointly used aquatic resources there will be a binding dispute resolution mechanism involving elders, youth, technical staff, as well as political leadership.

2.3 Each committee member and their alternate receive their authority and mandate to sit at the committee by their respective Chief and Council or Métis Council. The appointment or election of each committee member is the responsibility of their community, respecting the practice of each Aboriginal government in the Dehcho.

2.4 Each committee member is responsible to convey the directions and decisions of the committee back to their leadership, either reporting back or through the Secretariat.

2.5 Meetings of the committee will rotate, as allowed by the budget, to each of the member parties throughout the Dehcho.

2.6 Committee members must be fairly compensated, have the financial support to do the work in preparation for meetings, to meet, and to bring information back to the communities.

3. Committee Secretariat5

5 A consensus decision of the committee (February 2006) was made to located the secretariat within the Dehcho First Nations offices, Fort Simpson. Once the Dehcho Land Settlement Agreement has been

Dehcho First Nations 23 Dehcho Collaborative Management AAROM Proposal; – Multi-Year starting April 2010

3.1 Secretariat: The secretariat houses the advisors and support staff for the committee of the Dehcho Watershed Ecosystem Advisory Committee.

3.1.2 The Secretariat ensures effective relationships between the communities and other governments, researchers, and commercial interests.

3.1.3 Secretariat Coordinator: Hired by DEHCHO FIRST NATIONS, this person works with the committee and helps them find experts in the fields of: Aquatic ecosystems management, Fisheries, Ecology, Biology, Human resource development, and the Social Sciences; for advice and research.

3.1.4 The secretariat will provide focus and a clear work plan to be accepted by the COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES.

3.1.5 Assist with capacity development of each participating Aboriginal government, so they can be directly involved with advisory and technical aspects of fisheries as well as the commercial and government relations associated with the resources.

3.1.6 The Coordinator will prepare funding proposal, financial reports, manage contracts in keeping with best practices of Dehcho First Nations, prepare and deliver communications/outreach for the committee as necessary.

3.2 Finances: The Dehcho First Nations office will manage the committee’s finances and administer the DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND OCEANS contribution agreement.

4. Consultation

4.1 Consultation among parties will be undertaken with the communities to ensure Dene and Métis values and rights are protected and respected.

4.2 Consultation in the Dehcho on watersheds and ecosystems is based on Dehcho Traditional Knowledge. Current land users, harvesters and elders are key to keeping the land and water healthy, and they have an important role to direct the work of the COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES.

4.3 It is important to reflect the diversity of Aboriginal perspectives in the work of the COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES including the views of Aboriginal organizations (youth, women/men, and elders).

4.4 Dehcho governments require a high level of communication among its members to ensure healthy watershed ecosystems. Clear and accurate communication channels will develop ensuring the needs of smaller communities in the Dehcho are being addressed.

4.5 This agreement among the parties is to our mutual benefit and a key indicator of success will result in robust fisheries and aquatic resources.

finalized, fisheries management will become part of a renewable resource management authority. Dehcho will hire interim staff to oversee the program.

Dehcho First Nations 24 Dehcho Collaborative Management AAROM Proposal; – Multi-Year starting April 2010

4.6 All key topics and issues must be addressed through the consultative process and collaborative management process.

5. Working groups

5.1 Working groups will be set up from time to time as required and as directed by the COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES.

5.2 Working groups are supported by the Secretariat.

5.3 The sharing of information6 developed by working groups will be at the COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES to enable Dehcho to present a unified and informed position when managing fisheries and aquatic resources.

5.4 Working groups meet as often as needed and budget for their work is authorized by the COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES and approved by DEHCHO FIRST NATIONS.

6. Address collaborative management opportunities for the communities

6.1 The COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES recommends each party establish community staff and contact person.

6.1.1 Review each community’s current capacity needs and identify individual interest for capacity development.

6.1.2 The COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES strengthen Dehcho First Nations capacity development and opportunities, including the initiation of workshops and training in all aspects of management for community staff, contact persons, committee members, and leadership.

6.2 The COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES will be provided with information in a timely and accessible way. Information for meetings will be provided a week beforehand, following meetings information will be provided within a five business days.

7. Amending these terms of reference

7.1 A Terms of Reference Working Group will meet annually, and propose to the COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES changes (amendments, additions and deletions) as deemed appropriate.

7.1.1 The Terms of Reference Working Group will include two committee members, a Dene Chief and/or a Métis President, as decided by Dehcho leadership.

7.2 Changes to these Terms of Reference must be approved by Dehcho First Nations.

Appendix C: Copy of Auditor’s Statement

6 Information in all its forms, including but not limited to fish movements, contaminants, habitat (such as spawning areas), and current AAROM/AFS projects, etc.

Dehcho First Nations 25 Dehcho Collaborative Management AAROM Proposal; – Multi-Year starting April 2010

To be submitted by Dehcho First Nations directly to DFO in Hay River – on request and in confidence.

Dehcho First Nations 26