Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Liard (Aug 12/05) - The federal government has sided with Harry Deneron in a battle over political leadership in Fort Liard.

The Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) formally recognized Deneron as chief in a letter dated Aug. 4.

"Accordingly we will conduct our business as appropriate through yourself and your Council," the letter, signed by acting director of Indian and Inuit Services Brian Herbert, states.

Deneron won the July 14 band election with 136 votes compared to 82 for incumbent Floyd Bertrand, his closest challenger.

Bertrand contested the outcome, claiming that people were coerced into voting for Deneron.

In an interview, Herbert told the Drum that DIAND won't be getting involved in the appeal process.

He emphasized that his department encourages all First Nations to complete and ratify their election codes. Herb Norwegian, Grand Chief of the Dehcho First Nations, said he had not seen DIAND's letter of confirmation as of Monday.

"If we do receive that (correspondence) then we'll take the appropriate measures," Norwegian said.

"The sooner that they can bring some resolution to that, it will be better for all the people in Liard."

After the letter was sent last Thursday, Deneron had the locks changed at the band office.

The building sat empty on Friday.

He said he hopes that DIAND's approval will put an end to the confusion so he and his council can move ahead with governing.

Floyd Bertrand did not return the Drum's phone calls.

Boosting the economy

Deneron also spoke of some of the economic initiatives he has planned. A drilling rig in which the Acho Dene have 25 per cent ownership was transported to a new location last week.

"They're going to get money for that rig," he proclaimed.

He said Beaver Enterprises, a service-sector company belonging to the band, will capitalize on spin-offs from oil and gas.

"There will be some new business coming with our term," he promised.

Deneron acknowledged that he and his council can improve on maximizing benefits for the First Nation.

The Acho Dene may not have realized all the profit it could have during his last 10 years as chief, he admitted, but the tens of millions of dollars the band did bring in from oil and gas amounted to much more than the Dehcho First Nations collected in core funding, he contended.

He also said he and his council will be fully accountable in regards to the First Nation's finances.

Band members will be informed of the Acho Dene's investments, according to Deneron.

He said they will be invited to decide how revenue should be spent or whether some of it should be saved in a trust account.