Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Liard (Jan 18/02) - It's been a few months since a petition was circulated in Fort Liard calling for the resignation of the band's chief, sub chief and a councillor, but Jim Duntra hasn't been able to put it behind him completely.

"It still kind of bothers me," said Duntra, sub chief of the Acho Dene Koe. "I've been on band council since 1991. I don't think I've done anything bad. I've always tried to help out."

A public meeting was held after the petition made its way around the community, but no one in the audience made any mention of it, according to Duntra. He said he has done some investigating and has found out that the petition was based on false information. He added that the two people behind it hadn't been living in the community for a few years.

Duntra said there have been petitions calling for the removal of the past three chiefs in Fort Liard. He suggested that such tactics could be teaching the younger generation an inappropriate way to deal with issues.

"I think there's a communication problem in Fort Liard," he said. "If there's a problem, come to the band office and say it. Let's talk about it."

Pay scale

One of the issues behind the petition, according to a source in the community, is the high salaries paid to those in Beaver Enterprises' upper management as opposed to the lower wages earned by labourers. Duntra, president of Beaver Enterprises, said the wage scale is clearly laid out.

"It's fair to everybody," he said.

Employees can climb the ladder if they have the requisite education and training, but there's a high drop-out rate in Fort Liard, Duntra noted. He said the community is trying to improve that.

"It's sad to see local people are not in the management positions," he said. Putting unqualified people in management would result in the business losing money and possible ruination, he said.

Duntra admitted he does not have a Grade 12 education, but said as president his job involves a lot of community relations. He is also guided by the Beaver Enterprises board.

"It's how you do things in the community," he said. "I think I've done very well."

The next band election will be held in May or June. Duntra said he is unsure whether he'll run for council again. Running for chief is out of the question, though.

"I never want to be chief. There's too much criticism," he said. "You can't make everybody happy."