DCFN wants to settle resource development
Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Fort Simpson (Feb 02/01) - The Deh Cho First Nations is taking an unprecedented step to foster resource development before finalizing a self-government agreement.
The DCFN's negotiating team is working with federal negotiators to formulate an interim Resource Development Agreement (RDA).
Chris Reid, chief negotiator for the DCFN, said the RDA will address issues such as the percentage of resource royalties that will go to the DCFN and the number of jobs guaranteed.
"There are complex issues involved in it, and it's never been done before ... it's the sort of thing that normally is only done in a final agreement," Reid explained.
A final self-government agreement is expected to take seven years.
Robin Aitken, the chief negotiator for the federal government, said the consensus is that economic development is wanted in the Deh Cho.
"Everybody wants to develop the oil and gas prior to a final agreement," Aitken said. "The minister (of Indian and Northern Affairs), when he met with the grand chief just prior to Christmas, mentioned that he would work with the communities of the Deh Cho First Nations to benefit as much as possible from major resource development ... we're not talking chicken feed. It's going to be a substantial agreement."
What is likely to be the final wording in the Interim Measures Agreement -- a precursor to an interim Resource Development Agreement -- was finally reached last week, according to Reid. The DCFN negotiating team met with federal negotiators and GNWT negotiators in Hay River to work through the final hurdles impeding the signing of the agreement.
One final outstanding issue relating to the GNWT, to be addressed in a conference call on Friday, is that of outfitters' licenses.
Reid said the DCFN has reiterated that everything detailed in the IMA will be connected to land-use planning.
The IMA would grant the DCFN power of veto over new oil and gas exploration and forestry licenses and permits. Existing land leases will still be valid.
The DCFN wanted a blanket prohibition on land-use permits on withdrawn lands, but had to settle for a compromise.
"We didn't get everything we wanted," Reid admitted, but still referred to the IMA as the "best Canada has ever agreed to."
The DCFN will be seeking support from its membership on the IMA and the draft framework agreement during leadership meetings in Fort Providence from Feb. 13-15. The federal government will be seeking an endorsement from Cabinet for the documents.
It's hoped the documents could be signed as soon as April. Work would then begin on an Agreement in Principle (AIP).
