Government needs to listen more: Nyuli
Deh Cho candidate says constituents need more say in decisions
April Hudson
Northern News Services
Thursday, November 19, 2015
DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE
When it comes to issues facing the Deh Cho, MLA candidate Greg Nyuli says he wants to correct a government track record of failing to listen to residents.
A Gargan by blood, Nyuli was born in Fort Providence and returned to the community in 1983 after being raised by his adoptive family in Daysland, Alta. After serving as a regional negotiator, Deh Gah Got'ie chief, councillor and finally in senior management for more than a decade, Nyuli has most recently taken on the task of executive assistant to Dehcho First Nations Grand Chief Herb Norwegian.
"My primary reason for running stems from watching how the government conducts itself on major issues such as the health superboard, land and water management and education," Nyuli said.
"There are a lot of good ideas coming from the people and communities, and (the government) isn't necessarily taking those into account when they're out there doing their planning and consultation with the public. In fact, sometimes they are not even listening at all."
Nyuli cites the Dehcho Process and youth programming as two of his major priorities.
"Land and environment is a concern in terms of devolution and how it's affecting existing claimant groups and potential future claimant groups," he said.
"I want to ensure the government is listening to the people on the ground and try to accommodate them on the many issues and concerns they have. The government isn't always doing that."
Many of the issues in the Deh Cho are tied to one another, Nyuli said. This includes youth, health and well-being, family and elders. Having been raised in a community where students had access to shop classes, home economics and a science lab, Nyuli said he plans to push for similar infrastructure in the Deh Cho.
"It is important to get programming the kids are interested in and will want to participate in," he said.
"We're having issues (with youth) not only in Fort Providence but also the other communities. We need to work more closely with those communities to get some home-grown solutions so we can create a better environment for the kids."
If elected, Nyuli plans to consider aiming for a cabinet position, depending on what he hears from the constituents.
Some of Nyuli's campaign promises include addressing housing pressures, decentralizing government services and bringing in more on-the-land treatment options.
"I'm not going anywhere. I'm committed to working with the people in this community and region," he said.
