Land Claims Agreement - Signed

The Dogrib Treaty 11 Council, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Canada signed the agreement on August 25, 2003

The historic Tłı̨chǫ Land Claims and Self-Government agreement was signed in Behchokǫ̀ on August 25, 2003, exactly 82 years after Chief Monfwi signed Treaty 11.

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and many other dignitaries were on hand for the official signing of the Agreement.

"What we see today is that in spite of the evolution of society, you have kept your culture and pride," said Chrétien. "This is the glory of Canada – we can be what we are and at the same time be part of the greater Canada."

After the signing, and the mark the beginning of the celebration, Grand Chief Joe Rabesca and Elder Alexis Arrowmaker each took an arm of the Prime Minister and led him in the historic tea dance. The photo capturing this moment appeared in newspapers around the world.

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