Derek Neary
Northern News Services

FORT SIMPSON (Aug 13/99) - Deh Cho First Nations (DCFN) delegates at the seventh annual Deh Cho Assembly in Kakisa re-affirmed their support last week for the 21 common ground principles that the Deh Cho working group and the federal government worked out last year.

"We have a new minister of Indian Affairs (Bob Nault), but our position is still firm. We are leaving here united and we will work together," said Grand Chief Michael Nadli.

He later acknowledged that last week's cabinet shuffle, which led to Jane Stewart being reassigned to the Human Resources portfolio, was initially disappointing because she didn't appear at the assembly as scheduled. Nevertheless, Nadli was complimentary of Stewart, who he said had undertaken some positive initiatives such as the Deh Cho Process and the Gathering Strength initiative.

"She has created a visionary path for Bob Nault and we expect the same commitment from him on the Deh Cho Process," he said, adding that the DCFN expects to meet with Nault as soon as possible. A DCFN negotiations operations team should be in place by Christmas or sooner, Nadli said.

The issue of funding for the negotiations process has yet to be settled with DIAND.

"We would expect an equitable funding arrangement and support from the federal government at this point," said Nadli.

One of the major issues to arise from last week's assembly was that of communications from DCFN leadership to the communities.

"Our people are in control. They have to be consulted with...a lot of our people don't know what is going on in some of the communities and in our community," Pehdzeh Ki Chief Tim Lennie said, adding that he, too, has to shoulder some of the blame for poor communications.

"We cannot leave our people behind."

Nadli admitted that enhancing communications is the immediate task at hand for DCFN leadership. Two communications officers are to be hired to relay information and to collect concerns from the communities. At the same time, Nadli said the onus shouldn't lie solely with leadership.

"The bottom line is that people generally have to take their own initiatives to keep themselves involved and informed of the process," he said in an interview on Monday following the assembly.

Another criticism dealt with the failure of Deh Cho leadership to implement some resolutions from past assemblies and leadership meetings. Gerald Antoine, a former grand chief, was vocal over the issue as well as the need to consult with the elders.

"I think that's the reason why the elders are very frustrated -- they haven't been involved in the process," he said. "I think there needs to be a reprimand here."

Liidli Kue elder Mary Cazon also spoke on the matter.

"For a long time you guys have forgotten us. That's why we are here," she said. "You leaders, yes, you are well educated, but we have been on this land, we have lived through it."

One of the resolutions passed was to establish an elders' council, which will meet prior to the beginning of formal self-government negotiations. An elder is also to be in attendance for every negotiating meeting held in the Deh Cho region.

At one point during the assembly, Nadli confessed that the demands put on the grand chief are burdensome.

"It's been hard both personally and professionally," he said, "I want to be able to represent what the Deh Cho people want. It is that hope that we carry with us because we want to make things better."

Late on the last day of the assembly, elder Daniel Sonfrere spoke up after some forceful comments were made. He reminded delegates of the importance of working together.

"We have to help one another and support one another," Sonfrere said.

Three representatives from the federal government were on hand as observers at the assembly, including Indian Affairs senior negotiator, Robin Aitken and Wayne Walsh, claims analyst for the Deh Cho First Nations Process.

"We're committed to the Deh Cho Process, so we're here," Walsh said, adding that one of the 21 principles is to better educate one another about cultures and values. He said the opportunity allowed him to better understand and appreciate what the leaders, elders and membership are feeling.

Due to time constraints, several resolutions were deferred to the next leadership meeting, expected to take place in October. Among the issues yet to be advanced are the Northern boundary with the Dogribs, the mandate of the Deh Cho Resource Management Authority, Nahanni Butte opening its lands to oil and gas development, the Dene language work plan strategy and a formal commitment of support to the Dene Cultural Institute.