Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jun 30/00) - Deh Cho MLA Michael McLeod has criticized the GNWT for trying to be involved in all aspects of Deh Cho First Nations self-government negotiations.

In the legislature last Wednesday, McLeod (left) said the territorial government is more concerned with its own potential loss of power rather than considerate of the people's interests in the Deh Cho.

"The government is very rigid on this process," McLeod said in an interview Tuesday.

"My preference would be to see the federal government and the Deh Cho negotiate this one-on-one, with the Deh Cho given a lot of breathing room."

The Deh Cho First Nations are seeking a primary regional government based on Dene laws and values, particularly relating to land management.

Because the federal government insists that the GNWT be a party at the table, the territorial government should at least only assert itself in pertinent programs and services, McLeod said.

"But the GNWT is taking the stance that they want to be involved with all the resources and royalties and everything else," he said.

"So I don't know if I necessarily agree that they should be there on every issue."

Asked if he feels the GNWT will continue to have any role in the region after the Deh Cho Process is settled, McLeod responded, "I think the face of what the territorial government will look like in the next few years is going to change drastically. I think the role the territorial government (has) will be reduced."

In making his member's statement in the legislature last week, McLeod said the GNWT has proved to be a "stumbling block" to speedy negotiations not only between Canada and the Deh Cho, but also with both the Akaitcho and Dogrib's dealings.

McLeod added the GNWT bureaucrats are not always saying the same thing as the politicians, which only adds to the uncertainty.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jim Antoine could not be reached for comment as of press time.