First Nation selects land for subdivision
Terry Halifax
Northern News Services
Hay River (Apr 30/01) - The smallest First Nation in the NWT is looking for room to grow from their 10-acre piece of land near Hay River.
The West Point First Nation (WPFN) met last Tuesday to discuss a plan to secure and develop 60 to 70 acres of land along the West Channel of Great Slave Lake.
Chief Karen Thomas said the band has outgrown the plot they were given when the band first got status in 1994. She said the 67 members need the land mostly for residential, but they also have plans for a daycare and a store.
"We need housing and commercial property here," Thomas said. "We've asked the town of Hay River for between 60 and 70 acres."
The land in question is between the channel and the Mackenzie Highway and another strip that runs parallel across the road.
"We've purchased the building for a day care already and we're working on a business plan for a convenience store," Thomas said. "I just need guidance and direction form the membership on how we should develop the land."
Once the band has a clear vision of the development, the band will work with the town of Hay River, Municipal and Community Affairs and the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs to secure the land.
Thomas said MACA and DIAND will fund the survey and services for the new subdivision.
While final land selection for WPFN and the rest of the Deh Cho First Nations is still years away, Thomas said the band may also seek commercial property in downtown Hay River.
The band met with the town early in January to discuss the land transfer and Thomas said council has been "very helpful."
Mayor Duncan McNeill said the town is waiting for direction from MACA DIAND or the First Nation before they can formally discuss the plan.
"This is an unusual situation; we don't know what the rules are at this time," he said. "We hope we're able to support whatever the West Point First Nation wants."
