NNSL (JAN 03/97) - The Department of Indian and Northern Affairs is acting more like a lord than a trustee of lands around Yellowknife, says the environment co-ordinator for the Yellowknives Dene.

Fred Sangris said in a recent interview he should not have had to find out by word-of-mouth about two trucks going through the ice while preparing roads to mines north of Yellowknife.

"DIAND has an obligation, through the Crown, to inform people of any environmental impact on the land," said Sangris.

He said the Yellowknives land environment program committee, composed of elders, hunters and trappers is "very upset" at DIAND's lack of communication.

The trucks went through the ice of Gordon Lake and Drybones Lake Dec. 7 and 8, said Darren Unrau, acting Yellowknife District manager for DIAND.

Each carries a maximum of 681 litres of diesel fuel. Both drivers escaped unharmed, said Unrau.

The lakes are within the area currently being considered in claim negotiations between the federal government and Yellowknives Dene.

The trucks, owned by Echo Bay Mines, will remain under approximately 25 metres of water until the ice thickens up enough for them to be winched to the surface.

Unrau noted the trucks carry oil and antifreeze in addition to fuel. "There is some spill material, but it will not necessarily be lost," he said, explaining the water pressure keeps fluids from leaking out.

But Sangris said the incidents highlight the lack of preparedness for much worse incidents, such as fuel tanker spills, collisions and explosions.

"There are other things we want to know, such as does the company have a quick response plan? DIAND and the company haven't told us anything."