Fort Providence (July 11/03) - Sam Gargan insists that Greg Nyuli took some of his votes in the last band election.

Berna Landry is making the same claim.

Gargan eclipsed Landry by a mere five ballots in the race for chief two years ago. There won't be a third candidate running in the June 15 election, so Landry and Gargan are the voters' only choices this time.

Landry said ensuring jobs, especially for youth, through the Deh Cho bridge project is one of her priorities. She is also determined to strengthen the community's grasp of the Dene language and culture through gatherings and work with other organizations.

Gargan, seeking a second consecutive term, spoke of the need for continuity, particularly on matters of economic development. The bridge project, Denendeh Helicopters and Yamoria Grocery would be better off if guided by an experienced hand, he suggested. He added that an oil and gas alliance with Hay River Reserve, Kakisa and West Point also needs to be nurtured.

"We want to work on the most effective way to benefit from (the joint venture) so we don't duplicate. We support each other on certain things like maybe catering, camp set-ups, providing vehicles to the oil and gas industry and also monitoring them," Gargan explained.

Communication issues

Landry, Deh Gah Got'ie chief from 1992-94, said another challenge is to improve band council's communication with band members, administration and other councils.

Since her first term as chief, Landry said she has completed her third year of the Teacher Education Program.

"Getting that experience in leadership and getting a little bit of education, I feel that I'm more prepared this time around than (I was) 10 years ago," she said.

Although there are no other candidates for chief in the upcoming election, there are 15 people seeking one of seven council seats.

Gargan said having representation from each of the community's traditional land-use groups would be ideal.

Some families tend to make camp in the Horn Plateau, others around Axe Point, Beaver Lake, Redknife and elsewhere.

Landry said she's glad to see broad interest in Deh Gah Got'ie politics.

"There's good people out there who want to work with our people, our government," she said.