NNSL (Aug 15/97) - Premier Don Morin and federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Jane Stewart have agreed to direct their staff to focus on self-government discussions as soon as possible.

That edict came Wednesday following a meeting in Yellowknife between Stewart, Morin, Western Arctic MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew and the territorial cabinet.

"This was cabinet's first opportunity to meet with the new minister and speak directly to her about some of the challenges facing the people in the North," said Morin in a news release.

Items discussed at the meeting included concerns about adequate funding arrangements for two governments after division, devolution of federal control over the territories, the location of a diamond valuation facility and a possible road to resource-rich areas in the North.

"I listened very carefully to the issues raised by the premier and members of cabinet and I am impressed with the vision they have for the North and on the actions they have taken to date to help fulfil that vision," said Stewart.

"I am committed to achieving a new partnership based on government-to-government relationships involving aboriginal government, the government of the Northwest Territories and the federal government."

Stewart stressed that she prefers home-grown solutions for problems facing Northerners.

"I think that the strongest result of our discussions today is that we agree the best solutions for the North should be made in the North," she said.

Morin, who was similarly impressed with Stewart's direct and open approach, said the meeting proved worthwhile.

It was Stewart's first official visit to the NWT since being appointed in June.