Thorunn Howatt
Northern News Services

Ndilo (Nov 21/01) - Money, business and economic development were the dominating topics at the Dene leadership meeting's first day Tuesday.

Dene national Chief Bill Erasmus says tapping into natural resources is the only way First Nations can free themselves from government support. - Thorunn Howatt/NNSL photo

"We live in a garden of Eden," said Dene national chief Bill Erasmus who explained the land's natural resources would have to be optimized in order to leverage the quality of life for Dene people as First Nation's worked toward self-governance.

Meeting participants and onlookers packed the gymnasium in Ndilo, for the three-day assembly. The twice annual event includes Dene leaders from the Northwest Territories border to the Arctic Ocean.

"We can't rely on government. We have to rely on the land," Erasmus told delegates.

Mining, oil and gas, hydro and tourism as well as traditional industries like hunting and trapping were itemized as vehicles that could supplement government revenue that finance first nation economies and first nation governments.

"How do we work this wealth?" questioned Erasmus.

During a round-table discussion, Deh Cho Grand Chief Michael Nadli defended the position of his region.

"People don't like us. People are questioning our stand," said Nadli.

The Deh Cho have been holding-out on signing a memorandum of understanding between regions, the Aboriginal Pipeline Group (APG) and Energy producing companies. The APG wants to build a pipeline carrying Arctic gas southward following the Mackenzie Valley.

The pipe would run through the Deh Cho region.

The Deh Cho is one of three regions without a settled land claim.

Today, Matthew Coon Come, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations was to address the assembly to bring delegates up to date on national issues.