Grand chief says company has started on wrong foot
Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Nahanni Butte (Apr 27/01) - Deh Cho First Nations' grand chief Michael Nadli questions the tactics of a company proposing a seismic project in Nahanni Butte this summer.
"One of the things they're doing is scrambling for consensus and support after they (Arcis Corp.) signed the agreement (with Nahanni Butte Dene band)," Nadli said last week.
"I don't think that's an appropriate approach to take, especially for a corporation that's new to the North and trying to build some integrity and trust in terms of First Nations working relationships."
Bill Beaton, managing director of Northern Projects Inc., the consulting company for the Nahanni Butte Dene band on the seismic project, said last week that approval must be given by the region's First Nations within 30 days, or the $10 million, 1,900 square km seismic shoot will be lost.
With expectations of working between early June to early September, Arcis Corp. would have to submit its application to the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board as soon as possible. No opposition from First Nations would greatly increase its chances of beginning work in the near future.
"If they (First Nations' leaders) keep delaying, there will be no work and no project," Beaton said following last week's public meeting.
He added that the project complies with the "spirit and intent" of the DCFN's Interim Measures Agreement and with resolutions passed at Deh Cho assemblies, especially those stating that communities cannot act unilaterally within the region.
Nadli said Arcis has its own schedule. However, First Nations leaders are holding internal strategy meetings in Fort Simpson this week, and the project is on the agenda. As of last week, other First Nations had not taken a formal position on the proposal.
"Leadership needs to have discussions on it. We haven't had that chance yet," Nadli said. "It has to be considered in light of the whole region."
The issue had been on the agenda for a First Nations' leadership tele-conference two weeks ago, but Nahanni Butte chief Leon Konisenta wasn't available to take part at the time, Nadli noted.
The grand chief was supposed to have a private meeting with Konisenta and Arcis representatives on April 24, following the public meeting. However, the public meeting ran longer than expected and Nadli never did get together with the visiting delegates. No subsequent meeting has been scheduled, he said.
