Wrigley (Feb 24/03) - Deh Cho aboriginal leaders approved an Interim Resource Development Agreement (IRDA) with the federal government last week.

The deal offers the Deh Cho a small percentage of federal royalties collected in the Mackenzie Valley. The IRDA, along with ratified interim land withdrawals to protect specified areas from development, brings the region a step closer to welcoming industry.

The Deh Cho First Nations (DCFN) expect to receive $1-3 million annually through the IRDA. Federal negotiator Robin Aitken previously stated that if the DCFN endorses the interim agreements, the federal government will also sign.

The DCFN fought for a greater share of resource revenue royalties over the past year, but the federal government wouldn't budge on the formula.

Deh Cho Grand Chief Michael Nadli said the agreements are acceptable as a temporary measure.

"It's an interim agreement. It doesn't give us everything that we desire," said Nadli.

"The important thing is that it sets a minimum precedence where we should expect a better, more generous deal in the final agreement."

One of the provisions in the IRDA is to establish terms for an issuance cycle -- parcels of land that oil and gas companies bid upon for exploration rights.