Norwegian, assistant negotiator for the Deh Cho First Nations, was one of several representatives who toured the region's 10 communities earlier this month.

"We've gone through the communities time and time again so it's kind of a re-run for them," Norwegian said. "It's kind of a laid-back response. No rallies, no protests or picketing or anything like that. So for us it's a good response.

Each community seems to have its own points of contention, according to Norwegian. For example, he said residents in Nahanni Butte expressed their desire to see the entire South Nahanni watershed protected. The majority of the watershed has been proposed for withdrawal from further development, but not all.

In Trout Lake, there are worries over the potential for a Mackenzie Valley pipeline to run near a lake teeming with fish, Norwegian added.

Federal negotiator Robin Aitken also acknowledged the diversity within the region.

"Each community is very autonomous and has its own unique circumstances," he said.

Some misgivings

A few dozen people wandered in and out of the Fort Simpson community hall on Saturday afternoon. Over five hours, a resident or two would periodically stop by and look over various maps on the wall, chatting with representatives of the Deh Cho First Nation and the federal government.

Resident Elizabeth Hardisty said she thought the consultation session was a good idea because there hasn't been enough community involvement to date.

She said she fears the Deh Cho could wind up in the same boat as other land-claim regions, which settled land selections, extinguishment of aboriginal title and shared jurisdiction with the federal government.

"I don't want to be the same status as reserves, to be fenced in," Hardisty said.

Lorayne Moses, who also passed through the community hall on Saturday, shared some of Hardisty's misgivings. Self-government must truly reflect Dene values and traditions, otherwise "we might as well have taken over the government offices 25 years ago," she said.

"I don't feel the message has been taken to the young people," she added.

"I feel there should be more emphasis on the youth."

Moving on

Norwegian said the DCFN and the federal government are aiming to complete land withdrawals and the Interim Resource Development Agreement with a signing ceremony in March.

Land withdrawal maps show the patchwork of withdrawn lands, connected by wildlife corridors, would amount to nearly 50 per cent of the region. Existing mines and oil and gas development in the region are exempt. Surface and sub-surface development would be prohibited in most of that area. About four per cent would be limited to surface development, primarily forestry and outfitter's cabins. The remainder would be negotiable for oil and gas, forestry or mining.

"This (process) is driven by harvesters, elders, community members and leadership. We've pretty well fulfilled what they've asked us to do. It's a slow process but it's going to work," said Norwegian.

Aitken said he is also hopeful.

"Overall I thought we heard what we expected (during community consultations). Hopefully we can move on to the next stage now," he said.