Nahanni Butte (Aug 25/06) - Chief Eric Betsaka won't be returning as chief of Nahanni Butte First Nation.

Betsaka has been chief the past two-year term, but said he won't run in the upcoming election.

His term was scheduled to finish in the beginning of October, but Betsaka asked the band council for an early election. The election for chief is being held on Sept. 5.

For the past two years Betsaka said he's been going non-stop and he needs to take some time off.

"I think I've worn myself out," he said.

Betsaka said he was suppose to have time for a vacation after the Kakisa Assembly in July, but there were too many issues in the community that needed to be addressed.

Despite having a lot of support from residents to run for a second term, Betsaka said his worn state might hurt the good results that have been accomplished in the community over the past few years. Someone one fresh needs to continue the workload, said Betsaka.

There should be a smooth transition to the new chief because the council has been well informed on the issues facing the community, said Betsaka. At the top of the list are concerns about the Prairie Creek and CanTung mines, he said.

With regards to the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline, Betsaka said the Aboriginal Pipeline Group contacted the community last week.

Nahanni Butte answered that the decision isn't theirs to make.

"The effected communities will have the say," said Betsaka. "We will support them on their issues and hope they support us on ours."

Betsaka said being a chief has given him a real appreciation and respect for the other chiefs who work hard for their communities on regional issues.

"It's been a real experience," he said.

Betsaka took a two year leave from his position with Parks Canada to be chief and hopes to return to that work after the election.