Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Wrigley (Oct 22/01) - Percy Hardisty is once again chief of the Pehdzeh Ki First Nation.

"My interest is to ensure that economic developments are properly handed," said Hardisty, who last served as chief in 1985.

He said some community members, during a special workshop at Willowlake River in late September, decided that the community's position on oil and gas development should be discussed at a special meeting. They also generated some other recommendations.

"At the chief and council level, we're going to be working with these recommendations ... we're going to use it as a guideline," Hardisty explained. "It means there will be (more) community workshops with outside consultants."

Monthly public meetings will be held to update band members on new financial and program initiatives, he noted. However, because alcoholism, drug abuse and anger are recognized as problems in Wrigley, a chairperson from outside the community will be brought in until the meetings become respectful and productive, he added.

"(We have) to ensure that a healthy lifestyle is respected," he said.

Establishing an elders committee will be another objective.

Hardisty had been living in Fort Simpson with his family for the past several years, but he still worked for the Pehdzeh Ki First Nation periodically.

He received 40 votes in the recent election, giving him a two-year mandate. Previous chief David Moses received 17 votes, and Albert Moses, another former chief, picked up nine votes.