"At least one company has asked to drill and I don't want any drilling," Colin McPherson told people at a Treaty Day discussion last Friday.

The subject came up after talks got under way over the relationship between First Nation members and the Crown at the annual gathering in Fort Simpson.

Area residents are growing increasingly concerned that mining companies will move in and drill the area in search of kimberlite pipes, which are associated with diamonds and other gem stones. Residents have been seeing aircraft flying over the area between Fort Simpson and Fort Providence which they say look like "technical" aircraft scanning the surface for signs of minerals.

"I want people to say no," said McPherson, whose family has been trapping in the area for decades. "There's hardly any work or money in Fort Simpson. We really need this land."

George Cleary, a representative of the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs who took part in the Treaty Day on behalf of the federal government, said the area is open for exploration permits since there are no land claim settlements or negotiations going on with the Deh Cho First Nations.

"We are concerned," Cleary said. "It would be a lot different if the Deh Cho was at the negotiation table. Those who have settled are in control."

Cleary also told those in attendance that DIAND has a mandate to issue permits. The only way the federal government can stop issuing permits is if there are environmental or treaty issues at stake.

Some residents said the government is using scare tactics to push the Deh Cho First Nations to go to the bargaining table.

"They're just trying to pressure us," said Liidli Kue First Nation member Rita Cazon.

Former Liidli Kue First Nation chief Herb Norwegian said the exploration activity has made it difficult for people trying to make a traditional lifestyle work, and that signs of kimberlite would probably mean "major activity in the area."

"The federal government is disregarding the treaty," he added. "They treat it like a quiet document for their enjoyment. Even if we had a claim there is no guarantee of protection. This is a serious problem that has to stop. I see our people getting physical with their rights."