In an important step toward self government, the Deline Dene Band signed an agreement in principle Saturday with the territorial and federal governments.

The agreement, signed by the band, the Deline Land Corporation and federal Indian Affairs Minister Robert Nault, covers issues that have been settled over five years of negotiations.

Deline Chief Raymond Tutcho called it a "great" day for his people.

Story continues below advertisement

"Our community looks forward to continuing negotiations and reaching a final self government agreement."

N.W.T. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jim Antoine called the signing an historic step towards self government.

"This will eventually form a local Deline government that exercises some powers that are typically territorial," said Jamie Fulford, the territory's chief negotiator. "It should be more efficient and effective."

Deline, which is on Great Bear Lake about 500 kilometres northwest of Yellowknife, is one of three communities in the Sathu region.

It has 650 residents, 90 per cent of which are Dene Aboriginals.

The Deline First Nation Government will have a government leader, a main council, a justice council and an elders council, all with guaranteed Aboriginal representation.

It will control programs and services in areas such as culture, language, education, and social services.

Story continues below advertisement

The federal and provincial governments will continue to administer certain services, such as criminal imprisonment.

While there is still lots of work to do, Mr. Fulford said Saturday's signing is an important step.

"This agreement is very significant and will allow us to move towards our final agreement much quicker," he said. "I would guess we will reach the final stages in the next couple years."

On Monday, the Dogrib First Nation will sign self-government and land claim agreements with Ottawa that will give the west-central Arctic band powers including taxation and land use over a territory larger than Belgium.

The Deh Cho, the Inuvialuit and the Gwich'In, who occupy the energy-rich land along the Mackenzie Valley and Delta, are all in the midst of self-government negotiations.