Fort Simpson (Apr 15/05) - Seemingly on opposite sides of the fence for years, the Fort Simpson Chamber of Commerce and Grand Chief Herb Norwegian identified common ground last week.

But there were also concerns raised about potential Dehcho regional government policies. As Norwegian wrapped up his presentation at the April 5 Chamber meeting, interim Chamber president Duncan Canvin expressed satisfaction that his organization and Dehcho First Nations (DFN) both want local benefits from industrial development.

Norwegian assured the 15 assembled Chamber members that DFN is negotiating with the federal government to ensure that wealth flows directly into the communities.

"If we're not going to get that, it's best to leave the resource right where it is for another 20 years," the grand chief said. "We need people like yourselves, the Chamber, to be supportive."

There were a few grievances aired at the meeting as well. Chamber member Peter Shaw implored Norwegian to avoid the "disenfranchisement" of 30-40 per cent of the population under a Dehcho regional government. He said he can't imagine forcing non Deh Cho Dene residents to wait 10 years before they can vote, as may be stipulated in a Deh Cho constitution.

"You're driving a wedge between us," Shaw warned.

He cited inequities in government education funding that help cover costs for an aboriginal student to take a trades program but deny the same privilege to a non-aboriginal student who grew up in the Deh Cho.

"It's not a fair game. It's not a level playing field," Shaw said. "You're going to have apartheid. Don't split us up, Herb."

Shaw also asked how non-aboriginal people are being represented in self-government negotiations.

"Who's speaking for the rest of us? We seem to be left out in the cold," he said.

Norwegian replied that the municipality and the territorial government are supposed to be acting on behalf of all citizens. He added that he needs to hear comments like Shaw's and said there would be opportunities for everyone to speak at self-government public forums in the near future. The Dehcho constitution is still a fluid document, he noted.

While the Dene and Metis are striving to protect their culture, identity and language through self-government, Norwegian said they are trying to take a partnership approach with non-aboriginal residents.

"I think people are starting to feel a little more comfortable about that," he said, adding that the Dehcho regional government may closely resemble the functioning Tlicho (Dogrib) model.