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DEH CHO - Dehcho Regional Helicopters, which is owned by the Fort Simpson Metis Nation and the First Nations from Jean Marie River, Trout Lake, Fort Liard and Nahanni Butte, has purchased its first helicopter, an Astar B2 worth $1.6 million.

When it was formed in 2004, Dehcho Regional Helicopters entered into a partnership with Great Slave Helicopters, which had previously had individual agreements with each of the communities.

Until now the partnership between the two companies involved each of the aboriginal groups promoting Great Slave's services to companies working in the region, said Colin Munro, base manager for Great Slave Helicopters and Dehcho Regional Helicopters in Fort Simpson. The agreement also included a financial return for the groups.

"It's been a win-win situation," Munro said.

With the new helicopter in hand Dehcho Regional Helicopters will see even more returns.

The company has a four-year contract with Great Slave Helicopters, which is leasing the helicopter with a guarantee of 400 hours of work per year.

Residents in each of the communities that are part of the company had a chance to see their helicopter last week. The machine flew to Fort Simpson and Jean Marie River on Sept. 4 and Fort Liard, Trout Lake and Nahanni Butte on Sept. 5.

The helicopter, which has a paint scheme in varying shades of blue, displays the Dehcho Regional Helicopter's logo on its sides.

The investment in the helicopter is a particularly big accomplishment for the organization because the Metis Nation doesn't receive core funding and operates on a shoestring budget, said Marie Lafferty, president of the Fort Simpson Metis Nation.

"I'm really thankful Great Slave has offered us this opportunity," she said.

While admiring the helicopter in Jean Marie River, Chief Isadore Simon said he was pleased with the investment.

The helicopter won't necessarily be kept in the Deh Cho region, said Munro. The helicopter could be flown elsewhere if needed to reach its agreed 400 hours of work but it will be back each year for the forestry contract, he said.