Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 03/99) - The NWT is amid economic transition and if the whole territory is to benefit it must think that way, the co-chair of the NWT economic strategy group said.

"We've (the NWT) been regionalized in terms of development," Richard Nerysoo said. Nerysoo, from Inuvik, is also Gwich'in Tribal Council president.

Inuvik sees mining as a Yellowknife matter, but in reality it should be seen as a Northern issue, Nerysoo said.

"Just because we're not in Yellowknife does not mean we shouldn't be associated with it. We are affected by a decline in mining."

Along the same lines, people who do not live near oil and natural gas areas should not just view these resources as beneficial for a specific region, he adds.

"That's the kind of discussion we've been having so far."

The economic strategy group met last week for their third session at the Explorer Hotel. Participants are covering every aspect of the NWT's economy; from mining to oil and gas to arts and crafts to women's issues to tourism to small business and more. They hope to come out with recommendations in the new year.

"As a panel, there is indication we need to benefit from the revenue that could accrue from Northern resources."

Asked who the federal government should direct more resource revenues to, Nerysoo said if the level of services which exist now in NWT communities is to continue, there will be a need for the GNWT and aboriginal government to come to some sort of revenue sharing agreement.

Nerysoo said it is "critical" this arrangement be resolved. Decisions on resources and the benefits that are tied to them, "affect all communities."

But, he adds, there is a need to address the issue of access to capital and to show that resource development processes can be conducted in a timely manner.

On transportation, Nerysoo said there is a need to examine a Mackenzie Valley transportation corridor -- not just a pipeline.

Transportation systems are largely responsible for economic growth, including tourism, oil and gas and mining.

"The reality is a transportation system is required."

Nerysoo pointed to the Liard Highway as important to development of the natural gas sector at Fort Liard.

On land claims, Nerysoo said they bring "huge economic benefits" that go beyond the claim communities.

Nerysoo, who has seen the land claim process first-hand, said under such agreements there are numerous requirements like wildlife management, economic development and legal services.

In many communities, many areas of expertise do not exist.

"Take a look at legal services, Yellowknife is our market."