Yellowknife, N.W.T - With the final devolution agreement in sight for the GNWT and the federal government, an important partner has come back to the table for the home stretch.

The Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated has re-joined negotiations, which are intended to transfer control of public lands, resources and rights in respect of water to the GNWT.

Even though other groups may be staying out, Sahtu MLA Norman Yakeleya said they felt they had to make their own decision.

"They have reached their own conclusion how they want to determine their destiny. We've decided amongst ourselves this is what we need to do as Sahtu people. It may not quite coincide with other governments."

Yakeleya added they made the decision because if the NWT works together it can put up a stronger front against the Government of Canada.

"The Federal government is really the one that we need to unite ourselves and to put them on notice, and we need to come together and we need to acknowledge and respect each other. Even though we don't agree with each other, we still need to come together as people of the Northwest Territories and say 'this makes sense'."

Under the agreement the GNWT would share 25% of royalties with NWT Aboriginal governments.

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