Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Oct 12/01) - A Deh Cho Economic Corporation could be a reality as soon as next week.

After three days of discussions, the concept was endorsed by delegates at an economic development workshop in Fort Simpson last week.

The recommendation will go before Deh Cho First Nations leaders at an assembly in Fort Providence beginning Tuesday.

As proposed, the economic corporation, which would have representation from each community in the region, will negotiate potential business deals and identify partnerships and investments for the consideration of Deh Cho aboriginal leaders. Possible business investments could include retail stores, hotels and airlines.

Nick Sibbeston, a bed and breakfast owner in Fort Simpson, suggested that it's vital to have efficient and experienced people within the economic corporation.

"We can mess it up if we don't get the right people," he said.

Most business-minded people don't want anything to do with politics, he said.

"They're very independent-minded. They don't give a damn what people think," he said.

"They just want to make a decision and make money."

The economic corporation is to report to DCFN leadership semi-annually and is to make decisions based on a five-year business plan and budget approved by DCFN leadership at the winter assembly.

But keeping politics from constantly hindering business deals will be a key to success, according to Liidli Kue delegate Dennis Nelner.

"One of the main themes at the workshop was that we have to have a level of trust," he said. "It all has to be under an operational plan ... we can operate independently of politics, but at the same time they can feel secure that we're not running amok, going headlong into development at the expense of the people, the culture, the environment."

Finding funding

As for where the funding will come from for enterprises, Nelner suggested that the Deh Cho First Nations will have to provide some resources -- possibly secured at the negotiating table with the federal government -- and GNWT initiatives can be tapped into as well.

"All you need is some seed money, finance the rest and then business takes off. You just need a little chunk of cash to get going," said Nelner.

Equal ownership among the communities is also being advocated. Therefore profits would be divided equally, not proportionally, to help the smaller communities hit hardest by economic woes.

"The small communities are lacking in human resources and funding. This group will find that for them," Tthek'ehdeli Chief Stan Sanguez said.

Another principle put forth is to balance profit-making with environmental protection and the well-being of residents.

"Sure it's nice to make a lot of money. It's a money economy ... but cultural activities are our lifeline," said Sanguez.

Some profits should be devoted towards sustaining and promoting traditional customs, he said.