"This is simply a proposal at this stage," said Eddie Kolausok, the chief lands negotiator for Canada in the NWT region, although he added it is very close to being agreed upon by negotiators.

Kolausok explained the withdrawal of lands has been previously discussed at many public meetings. "We feel comfortable that, through the open process, this map is not a surprise."

The land withdrawal would be an interim measure on the way to an overall Deh Cho agreement. Land withdrawal is designed to protect areas used by aboriginal people so development doesn't affect traditional lifestyles.

Kolausok explained at last week's meeting land could be withdrawn based on several criteria -- food and medicine, cultural and spiritual significance, ecological sensitivity and watershed protection.

Herb Norwegian, the assistant negotiator for the Deh Cho First Nations, explained it is hoped the entire land withdrawal package will be presented to the Deh Cho leadership in February. If approved, the next step will be for the federal government to issue an order-in-council to make the land withdrawal effective.

Petr Cizek, a resource advisor with the DCFN, noted the proposed lands to be withdrawn would be about 34 per cent of the Deh Cho. (Overall protected land would rise to about 50 per cent if Nahanni National Park and the Edehzhie NWT Protected Area are considered.)

That leaves about 50 per cent of the Deh Cho available for development.

Kolausok noted the land will be withdrawn for five years. "This is an interim measure."

After five years, a land-use planning agreement would take over.

The land withdrawals include surface and subsurface, and subsurface only to allow forestry.

Kolausok stressed existing third-party interests and access across the land will be respected.

The latest map also includes a corridor through the Deh Cho for a possible Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline.

The route allows one kilometre on either side of the existing Enbridge pipeline.

"The Deh Cho clearly told us they were not using land withdrawal to block the pipeline," said Kolausok, noting it demonstrates the DCFN's "balanced approach" to development issues.

The withdrawal of land would not affect municipalities or energy projects in the Cameron Hills.

Kolausok says land withdrawal is an important step in the overall process. "Clearly, we're moving towards certainty here in the Deh Cho."