Derek Neary
Northern News Services

FORT SIMPSON (May 03/99) - When it comes to assuming control of Fort Simpson's municipal lands from the GNWT, the village's mayor has failed in an initial attempt gain approval from the Deh Cho First Nations (DCFN).

Mayor Norm Prevost made a presentation during the Territorial Leadership conference in Fort Liard Wednesday, in hopes of attaining the DCFN's support for a block land transfer from the GNWT.

"Everything within those municipal boundaries is what we're asking for," he said, adding that the Village of Fort Simpson would then be in position to approve land sales and take over the responsibility for leases within the community.

The revenue generated by selling lots could be used to develop lots for First Nations' use, Prevost suggested. He added that any traditional sites of concern could be identified and discussed as well.

Prevost admitted that he didn't know how a block land transfer would affect the DCFN's bid for self- government.

"But I think at this point it's important that we continue to move on and develop our community so that we're ready for what's happening here in the Deh Cho when negotiations come to an end, and we hope that's soon," he said. "Until such a time that land claims are settled, the government still has too much input into what the communities want to do within their own boundaries... land is being sold all over our community to private individuals and the Commissioner is making those deals, it's not local consent."

DCFN Grand Chief Michael Nadli responded by saying that the key to the Deh Cho Process is the land itself, therefore it shouldn't be turned over so readily.

"We want a process between ourselves and the federal government... let's not complicate that," Nadli said.

The mayor's request was based on a resolution that emanated from the NWT Association of Municipalities meeting in Cambridge Bay in March. That resolution included a clause that required the explicit consent of First Nations governments.

Block land transfers were granted to municipalities in Nunavut, but the GNWT refused to follow suit, at least until self-government negotiations have been settled, Prevost said.

He added that the issue has little to do with taxes since the village is compensated by the government for those who don't pay taxes according to their aboriginal rights. Other First Nations' people, including Premier Jim Antoine, have chosen to pay taxes.

"He (Antoine) feels it's a better way to express his concerns about how we maintain the roads around his property," Prevost said. Herb Norwegian, boundaries co-ordinator for the DCFN, suggested that Prevost sit down with the chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nation and the president of Metis Local 52 to define the municipality's intentions more clearly.

"You need to be talking about designing new communities, is basically what you need to be doing," he said. "And then you need to come to this type of a table and start talking support."