N.W.T. communities' meeting moved to K'atl'odeehche reserve

The Northwest Territories Association of Communities has decided to move its annual general meeting to the K'atl'odeecheFirst Nation reserve due to the ongoing strike by municipal workers in Hay River.

The association represents themunicipal governments of the N.W.T.'s33 communities.

The annual generalmeeting, and a conference on governing, had beenscheduled to be held atHay River's arena. The arena has been closed due to the strike.

The K'atl'odeeche reserve is located on the east side of Hay River at the mouth of Great Slave Lake. The town of Hay River is located on the west side of the river.

In a news release, the Association of Communities said it decided to movethe meeting tothe reserve so that delegates would not need to change travel or hotel arrangements, and soHay River businesses would retain the economic benefits of hosting the event.

The Union of Northern Workers, which represents Hay River's municipal employees,has said it would picket the event even if it were held on the reserve.The union and the town are slated to return to the bargaining table on Sunday.

The meeting is scheduled for May 7-10.