Derek Neary
Northern News Services

NNSL (Feb 05/99) - The Liidlii Kue First Nation (LKFN) have been granted a delay in the issuance of a land-use permit application because it potentially "interferes with an aboriginal right to harvest by way of hunting and trapping."

The permit application is for mineral exploration on a tract of land across from the ferry landing outside of Fort Simpson. According to LKFN sub-chief Ernest Cazon, eight trappers who are actively trapping in that area would be affected. The Mouse family, who earn their living from trapping and snaring and have done so all their lives, would be particularly hard hit, he said.

"They live off the land year round, 364 days per year," he said.

Floyd Adlem, director of operations for DIAND, said the issuance of a permit normally takes up to 42 days and includes an approximate 30-day consultation period with all who have stakes in the matter. In this case, the approval process has indeed been delayed while an investigation takes place, he confirmed.

"What we need for them (the LKFN) to substantiate the assertion with details as to what's actually happening," said Adlem. "You can't just generally say, 'We trap in the area,' or something. What specific activities does this particular operation (mineral exploration) infringe on?"

Cazon said the LKFN is frustrated with the process of receiving a piece of paper that instructs them to voice any concerns within 42 days.

"That doesn't hold water with us at all, especially if it's for development," he said. "They should come to the table and talk to us... 99.9 per cent of the time they give them (land use permits) out anyway."

Should interference with trapping be substantiated, the land-use permit could be granted in part so it avoids conflict, according to Adlem. Investigations are routine, he said, but there's no telling how long it may take to conclude.

"It's a matter of communication. There's no sort of set time frame for it," he said.

The LKFN contend that the use of someone knowledgeable on aboriginal harvesting practices, such as a mammalian biologist, would preclude the need for an investigation.

"The First Nation does not accept the opinion of a civil servant," the band wrote in an open letter to DIAND.

Cazon said he suspects that a quest for diamonds is behind this land-use application.

"If they do find something, the federal government is the one who's going to be the happy recipient," he said. "We are the caretakers of the land... and now all this is happening. The way we understand it is that Indian Affairs is supposed to be watching the land for us and here on the other hand they're giving it all away. What are they trying to do, third-party it all away before they come and sit at the table and talk to us?"

Adlem noted that land-use permits are a means of protecting the environment. Activities such as mining are authorized through Canada's mining regulations and are obtained before a permit can be granted.