Fort Simpson (Feb 14/03) - The Deh Cho can best benefit from development by leading the way with its own company, says Grand Chief Michael Nadli.

Chief Michael Nadli: Won't speculate on when development will begin in the Deh Cho

That's a theory he has put forward leading up to next week's Deh Cho First Nation's winter leadership meeting in Wrigley. Two more key self-government documents will be placed before Deh Cho leaders for approval: a proposed Interim Resource Development Agreement (IRDA) and Interim Land Withdrawals.

The formula in the IRDA would only grant the Deh Cho a small percentage of Mackenzie Valley resource royalties. Therefore Nadli is urging the 10 Deh Cho communities to form a regionally based company. That company could work jointly with a private oil and gas company to profit significantly from new exploration and seismic projects on Deh Cho lands.

"It could be a Deh Cho First Nations and industry partnership arrangement. I mean, why not?" Nadli asked. "That's where we're trying to steer our efforts at this point."

However, even with an IRDA in place, he wouldn't speculate when development will begin in the Deh Cho.

Uncertainty remains

A degree of uncertainty currently remains over lands and resource ownership in the region, which isn't an appealing investment climate, he acknowledged. For example, negotiations over a Mackenzie Valley pipeline corridor through the Deh Cho remained unresolved. Until such issues are worked out, Nadli said, he doesn't expect the Deh Cho to be overrun by big business.

"I don't believe that industry is just waiting south of 60 with all their gear, all gassed up and ready to go into the region here," he said. "That's not my sense of things at this point."

Federal negotiator Robin Aitken said after an IRDA is signed, community consultations on a new oil and gas exploration cycle would take place within one year. However, he emphasized, that community support is required for exploration and for everything from forestry to prospecting permits. He predicted that nothing will happen immediately as a result of signing the IRDA.

"Really, there's a lot of community control over decision making," said Aitken. "The pace of development will really be up to them."

The other agreement to be reviewed next week, the Interim Land Withdrawals, would protect selected lands from development until a final agreement is near.

Nadli said he is expecting both documents will ultimately be endorsed by leadership next week.

"I have a sense of confidence, a sense of support from the leadership," he said.