Subseries 5.2 - Dene Nation Southern Support Group

0.26m textual records

In 1974, Prof. Russell was appointed Chairman of the Dene Nation Southern Support Group. This informal body led by both Russell and Prof. Don Simpson (University of Western Ontario), was established in September 1974 by the Indian Brotherhood of the Northwest Territories and Metis Association. Their task was to secure support and understanding for the Land Settlement in southern Canada. To accomplish this goal, volunteers were attracted and the group produced an information booklet and coordinated fundraising activities in major cities across Canada. In 1975, a Support Group office was set up in Ottawa and closed two years later (October 1977) following the resolution of a number of Dene Nation concerns. These included the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline and the recognition that the Dene Nation’s political struggle for self-determination had become the primary goal. As a result, Prof. Russell and Prof. Simpson assumed an advisory role. Records include correspondence, notes, copies of newsletters, and copies of Land Claims documents.

Files are arranged loosely by subject and then chronologically.

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