Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Nahanni Butte (Apr 12/02) - It was a joyous occasion when $500 cheques were issued to members of the Nahanni Butte Dene band on Mar. 28.

The windfall was realized through projects by Nahanni Butte's Tthenaago Development Corporation, which has been quite active over the past year.

Ninety-nine band members received the bonus at a community feast.

Band member Tammy Matou said she was pleased with the payout but completely surprised. She added that she'll likely get rid of some bills with the extra cash.

She's not alone.

Ernie Isaiah, manager of the Nahanni Butte store, said some people have paid off their credit since receiving their one-time payments.

The parents or guardians of those under 15 received the cheques on their behalf.

The development corporation was awarded a $400,000 contract earlier this year to dispose of diesel fuel stored in caches at Grainger and Cat Camp (near Sundog Creek).

It also used its own equipment and labour, with assistance from Rowe's Construction, to prepare a 40-km road to Anadarko's A-68 well. As well, it worked with Canadian Forest Oil to prepare a winter road and lease site.

Last summer, the band signed seismic slashing contracts with Veritas and Western Geco.

In addition, the development corporation continued to be involved with constructing the access road into Nahanni Butte and maintaining the local runway.

Bill Beaton, interim manager of the Tthenaago Development Corporation, said Nahanni Butte's proactive approach has injected several million dollars into the NWT economy.

Their initiative has been a boon not only to band members but also to companies like Rowe's Construction, K&K Expediting and Great Slave Helicopters, he noted.

"We've made a focus on using Northern content," Beaton said.

"In addition to that we've employed local people and made a distribution to the band members... they are starting to get benefits. I'm hoping in future years they'll be able to do more of the same."