HAY RIVER RESERVE (Jan 22/99) - The Deh Cho First Nations (DCFN) voted to proceed with the implementation of a Deh Cho Resource Management Authority during their winter meeting at the Hay River Reserve last week.

In a press release, Grand Chief Michael Nadli stated that the body will see communities working together in a regional forum to address land-use issues and to discuss ways of monitoring resource development pressures.

"In making the important decision, the leadership of our communities are following the Deh Cho declaration and advancing the Deh Cho proposal," stated Nadli.

Reference was made to the Delgamuukw case in the Supreme Court of Canada, which recognizes that Canada has a legal obligation to consult with First Nations, get their consent for development and compensate them for resource development on their traditional lands.

"Consequently, the Deh Cho leadership expect Canada and the GNWT to take the Deh Cho Resource Management Authority seriously and to work with us in a respectful manner," the press release read.

Other resolutions passed at the DCFN winter meeting included:

* A language strategy, multi-year work plan and budget to include a healing component as suggested by the Deh Cho Language Working Group. These and several other recommendations stem from the Dene Zhatie conference last November.

* An alliance to work with the Akaitcho on issues of common concern, such as the Thor Lake beryllium project, boundary issues with the Dogrib Treaty 11 council, moratorium on resource development on their lands, constitutional process of the Western Arctic and U.N. strategies.

* A court injunction to stop the Dogrib Land Claim Agreement with the federal government until the Dogribs resolve an equitable boundary with the Deh Cho First Nations.

On another matter, Jane Stewart, minister of the Department of Indian Affairs, recently sent a letter to the DCFN stating that she is reviewing ministerial envoy Peter Russell's report and recommendations in regards to formal self-government negotiations. Stewart is soon expected to meet with the Nadli and Deh Cho First Nations leaders to discuss the next steps in the Deh Cho process.