Deline, N.W.T., says yes to self-government

Deline, N.W.T. has said yes to self-government, as community members voted in favour of the territory's first community-based self-government agreement.

Of the 696 peopleeligible to vote, 449 people, or 64per cent, voted in favour of the agreement. A total of 527 eligible members participated in the vote.

The community celebrated the victory Wednesday with a feast at the local arena.

N.W.T. Premier Bob McLeod said Wednesdayin the legislaturethat if there were a yes vote then the final agreement couldbe signed by this summer.

It will then be up to the new Deline Gotine Government to decidewhen it can begin to take on its powers over items such ashealth care, justice and adoption.