Hay River Reserve. (Feb 16/04) - Deh Cho elders held a wide-ranging discussion of issues -- with a focus on the Deh Cho Process -- at a gathering last week on the Hay River Reserve.

About 20 elders from 10 communities participated in the Feb. 10-12 event, sponsored by the Deh Cho First Nations (DCFN).

"The leaders need to be guided and make sure Dene concepts and ways are applied in the Deh Cho Process and the development of Dene government," said K'atlodeeche First Nation Chief Roy Fabian, who chaired the meeting.

Hay River Reserve elder Sarah Lamalice, 73, said it was good to have an opportunity to discuss issues with other elders, especially cultural concerns.

Lamalice is worried about the loss of the Slavey language, saying many parents don't think it is important to teach it to their children.

"You should be proud of it," she said.

The elders' gathering was the second of four meetings for the year, funded with $75,000 from the DCFN.

The first such meeting was held in Fort Simpson.

The elders agreed to have a meeting on the spiritual component of land-use planning under the Deh Cho Process from March 29 to April 3 in Fort Providence.