Jean Marie River (Sep 22/06) - Following a request from elders, Jean Marie River is opening some of their traditional lands to oil and gas development.

The community elders wanted to open up lands for economic reasons, said Chief Stan Sanguez.

In the final draft of the Deh Cho Land Use Plan, the band placed a checkmark in the box indicating that oil and gas development is allowable in the area designated as Jean Marie River South. This area consists of approximately 553 square-kilometres located south-west of the community.

Well sites were already drilled in this area 25 to 30 years ago, said Sanguez.

Signs of interest in the resources are already being shown by oil and gas companies.

Chief Sanguez said he's been invited by Imperial Oil to travel to Calgary in two weeks to listen to a presentation on how the land could be opened for development.

The band plans to take things slowly, said Sanguez, who describes their current stage as "exploratory talks."

A number of steps still need to be taken including informing band members of the decision to open the land.

The band is also being cautious because they have to obtain the approval of the other communities in the Deh Cho, Sanguez said.

"We have to be more careful than anything," he said.

Currently the band has been working with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to examine maps of past resource development in the area and develop future plans.

In their movement towards oil and gas development, Jean Marie River has been gathering advice from Chief Harry Deneron of the Acho Dene Koe First Nation in Fort Liard.

In August, Deneron received support from Dehcho First Nations to open more lands to oil and gas drilling.

Sanguez said he's been learning from Deneron's experiences and asking questions.

In a few weeks Sanguez said he expects to hold a question period with Deneron in the community.

Despite having concerns about how oil and gas development could take place, Sanguez said the path forward has been laid.

"There is no way to turn back now," said Sanguez.