Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (June 28/02) - Nearly half of Deh Cho lands would be available for development under a proposal put forward by the Deh Cho First Nations.

The Deh Cho First Nations (DCFN) is willing to open up 43 per cent of its lands, while protecting the other 57 per cent.

Negotiators from the DCFN and the federal government met in Yellowknife last week and discussed differences over specific parcels of land.

The federal government indicated it's now willing to consider the Deh Cho's request for a buffer along the Mackenzie River, but in return federal negotiators are seeking the DCFN's consent for a pipeline corridor, according to DCFN chief negotiator Chris Reid.

"It doesn't necessarily mean the Deh Cho First Nations would be supporting the use of that land for a pipeline, but it does mean we would be giving up the option of protecting those lands through a land withdrawal," Reid explained.

The issue is to be discussed further at the Deh Cho Assembly in Kakisa this week.

Federal negotiator Robing Aitken referred to the negotiating session as "very productive."

He noted that a regional lands working group will be re-established and will meet in Fort Simpson in early July.

Revenue differences

Grand Chief Michael Nadli has warned that if an interim resource development agreement is not acceptable, the DCFN should identify blocks of land for development and negotiate benefits directly with industry, according to Reid.

DCFN leaders have endorsed that idea, he added.

An interim resource development agreement will be presented to leaders and delegates at the Deh Cho Assembly this week.

Aitken said he's hoping a final resource agreement could be ready for ratification by the time royalties begin to flow from new development within the region.

"Royalties don't flow right off the bat. Even in Fort Liard, I think it was like six years after the exploration (for oil and gas)," Aitken said.