Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Kakisa (July 05/02) - An anticipated leadership debate failed to transpire at last week's Deh Cho Assembly in Kakisa.

Deh Cho chiefs and Metis presidents held a two-and-a-half hour, in-camera caucus meeting with Grand Chief Michael Nadli Monday evening. There was no formal discussion of the outcome in the days that followed.

In an interview last Friday, Nadli said he intends to fulfil his term.

"My interest is to work from Fort Providence," he said, adding that he hopes to complete an interim resources development agreement with the federal government and sign an accord with the Dogrib over the disputed Horn Plateau boundary before he steps down. Chief Lloyd Chicot, of Kakisa, said DCFN leaders have accepted that Nadli will work primarily from a Fort Providence office, but he said that the costs associated with that office are still to be examined.

The leaders also passed a resolution during the assembly to create a position of deputy grand chief, someone to help ease Nadli's burden.

"He's taking on too much stuff, our grand chief. It's way too much for a guy to handle," said Stan Sanguez, chief of Jean Marie River.

Fort Simpson Chief Rita Cli contended that Deh Cho, with 10-member communities, generates enough work to justify a deputy grand chief.

Members of the executive committee, consisting of six chiefs, have been tasked with reviewing the terms of reference for a deputy grand chief position, which is expected to be based in Fort Simpson. They are to report to the fall assembly, where a selection process is to be adopted.

Prior to the assembly, Nadli had said he was seriously contemplating resigning from his post. He and his family moved to Fort Providence earlier this year so he could take care of some personal matters, touching off a debate over the office of grand chief.