Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Monday, July 30, 2007

RAE-EDZO - The public spoke up against the Tlicho government at a meeting held alongside the Dene National Assembly in Behchoko July 19.

Overspending on travel, closed account books, and conflict of interest hiring were just a few of the concerns expressed by the members who addressed the Tlicho government, citizens and guests.

From left Phillip Huskey, Michael Louis Rabesca, Bobby Pea'a, and Eddy Weyallan close off the Tlicho gathering with a prayer. Christine Grimard/NNSL photo

"I'm not happy the way this government is operating," said Former Tlicho Grand Chief Joe Rabesca.

"Sometimes it's very difficult to see (the chiefs), they don't have time for the people."

Criticism centred on the limited scope of the Tlicho assembly, with just one morning to hear public input. Rabesca reiterated comments he had made at the opening of the Dene National Assembly, that the Tlicho should be holding a separate meeting.

Tlicho Grand Chief George Mackenzie defended combining the two meetings as a way of saving costs, and to give attendees a chance to see how self-government works.

The operations of self-government became a platform for concerns, as speaker after speaker questioned the board over mis-use of funds.

John Mantla questioned the officials over conflict of interest hiring, saying they had a habit of hiring relatives.

Whati Chief Charlie Jim Nitsiza responded that jobs are always advertised before anyone is hired.

Mantla had more concerns over the audit report, given the day prior, with a reported surplus.

"You say you have a $7 million surplus," he said. "All the other regions receive money for the community, but we're told no community funds for the next three years."

Mantla said he should have had access to the audit three weeks prior to the meeting. He said he returned several times to the Tlicho government offices, but was only given the report at the meeting the day before.

Lafferty said that under the constitution, they weren't allowed to give the audited statement to the public. He noted they distributed the summary report on the advice of their lawyer.

Mantla also questioned the $2 million travel and accommodation expenses.

Lafferty said that much of those travel expenses covered the assembly, saying it cost $100,000 to bring everyone in.

"Maybe we shouldn't take everyone to these meetings?" responded Behchoko Chief Lafferty. "Maybe we should only take ourselves."

Mary-Ann Jeremick'a challenged Lafferty, saying that the money was already set aside for the meetings.

Jeremick'a also raised concern over the apparent lack of women elected.

"We have 80 per cent women educated in our Nation, and only 20 per cent men. There's not one woman elected to the council."

Mantla and Rabesca both questioned the officials over what was being done with IBA money, and the increase in base salary for the elected chiefs.

"Once you're elected you don't make your own decisions and do whatever you want," said Rabesca.

"That's not what you're elected for.

Nitsiza said that the salary was determined by an independent consultant, who will continue to set the salary rate.

As the meeting drew to a close, elder Elizabeth Mackenzie worked to mend ways.

"It's no good to speak against each other, criticize each other. It weakens our strength," said Mackenzie.

"At times we will have harsh words against each other. It's difficult to listen when someone's scolding you."

Grand Chief George Mackenzie closed the meeting, saying more people will get a chance to speak at the next AGM to be held in Whati.