Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Kakisa (Aug 25/00) - Rita Cli says the Deh Cho First Nations' image is being hurt by constant bickering, and has called for an end to the quarrelling.

Cli, chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nation, made the statement after accusations were made during a debate at the Deh Cho Assembly in Kakisa last week.

"If they see us doing this, who would want to work for our public government? That's what I'm hearing from our youth," said Cli.

Moments earlier, Deh Gah Got'ie Chief Ron Bonnetrouge had called for the DCFN office to be moved from Fort Simpson to Fort Providence.

"We're the second largest community in our region and we don't get dick out of that office," he said. "I can see all the jobs go to the people of her (Cli's) community. Some $900,000 funnelled through the DCFN goes to Simpson."

Bonnetrouge added that his community's concerns haven't been addressed by the DCFN due to interference from he LKFN. He urged that funds be freed up for strategic planning such as creating working groups to advance issues.

Cli said she was very angry and upset by Bonnetrouge's comments.

"I feel like I've been personally attacked," she said, adding that's she's always been a vocal leader and will continue to be. "I don't need to take this kind of abuse ... I don't care if you like me or not, I love you all. You are my people."

The squabbling didn't stop there as LKFN delegate Arnold Hope took the microphone and questioned why the Hay River Reserve is part of the Deh Cho First Nations.

"The Hay River Reserve took a reserve. They've lost their land title. They've got all the money they're ever going to get from the federal government," Hope said. "But they are still sitting among us."

Hay River Reserve elder Daniel Sonfrere said he and his fellow delegates are there to help establish the best possible government in the Deh Cho.

"We've got to help each other, support each other ... we've always told you that," said Sonfrere. "Us elders have lived through a lot of things and survived. If you argue it's going to be hard for us to help you."