Dave Sullivan
Northern News Services

Hay River Reserve (Mar 18/02) - Saying six years is enough, Michael Nadli has told the Deh Cho First Nations that he will not seek a third term.

Nadli made the announcement March 12 at a gathering of Deh Cho leaders.

"It's been pretty tough these past five years, it's time to move on," he said. "I've thought about it long and hard. I think I've done my part."

A new chief will likely be selected in the summer of 2003.

Nadli's decision comes in the wake of divisions within the Deh Cho, and stalled progress toward self-government and gaining control over resource development.

At the same time, getting the self-government process off the ground in the first place has been the biggest accomplishment during his tenure as chief. Interim agreements signed last year found some common ground with Ottawa on negotiating self-government and resources.

"I've made this process my life. I'm proud of my track record," he told the chiefs and elders.

Nadli also addressed criticism he faced about moving recently to Fort Providence. The Deh Cho First Nation office is in Fort Simpson.

"There are some people who want me to resign," he admitted. But he warned that stepping down prematurely would signal weakness to the federal government.

Nadli said he'll commute, and proposed appointing a deputy grand chief to help handle the workload.

He said he may enter business, work in economic development or return to school.