Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Kakisa (July 05/02) - The Liidlii Kue First Nation has backed away from its demand for federal funding to be transferred directly to the band, rather than filtered through the Deh Cho First Nations' office.

The LKFN had been seeking $93,000 of $425,000 in advisory services funding.

That represents the Fort Simpson band's share of Department of Indian and Northern Affairs' allocated dollars for technical and financial services. The band never made full use of their allotment in the past.

Chief Rita Cli said the LKFN would prefer to have access to the funds directly and apply the money to various projects. She said other First Nations could also benefit from having the funding downloaded.

However, Cli came under fire from West Point Chief Karen Thomas, who argued that smaller communities would be shortchanged if DIAND's per capita funding formula were applied. She urged the DCFN to continue administering the funding on an as-requested basis.

Kakisa delegate Allan Landry wondered aloud what programs and services would be stripped from the DCFN head office next.

"I hear people talking about keeping things strong and now we're taking it apart ourselves as leaders," Landry said.

"I'm getting a little concerned. Everybody's starting to grab now."

Grand Chief Michael Nadli said there's an overall lack of funding provided by DIAND. He said the DCFN would need an additional $2.5 million annually on top of last year's $4.3 million budget.

"We're letting (DIAND) off the hook," said Nadli. "We are growing and we are big, but we are not that rich."

The LKFN withdrew its motion, but tabled another to have cash bonuses (honorariums) devolve to the community level. Consequently, band councils could decide how much, if anything, to pay chiefs, elders and delegates to attend meetings. The resolution passed unanimously.