Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Hay River Reserve (Sep 16/02) - Roy Fabian is the first to admit he didn't seek a second term as chief in 1990 because personal issues prevented him from being a good leader back then.

Roy Fabian is the new chief of the K'atlodeeche First Nation on the Hay River Reserve. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Those personal issues mainly involved attitude, he explains.

"It took me a long time to figure out what they were and why I struggled so much with decision making and issues like that, and being able to say 'no' and just following through on my commitments. The thing I find for myself is how self-righteous and judgmental I was. Being a leader, it's not good to be that."

Now, after being elected as chief of the K'atlodeeche First Nation on Sept. 9, Fabian believes he is better prepared to be a leader.

In particular, he says he is now a better listener.

Fabian has extensive experience in KFN affairs. He was previously band manager and economic development co-ordinator, and he played major roles in creating a new school, the Eh Dah Cho Store and Evergreen Forestry.

Prior to the election, he was a consultant on contract to the band.

The future of youth

Fabian say high on his list of concerns is opportunity for youth.

Having worked as a language and culture teacher on the reserve, he notes only one child could understand a little bit of Slavey, but not one of them could speak the language.

"I want to make very sure that the language and culture is going to live within these children."

Economically, Fabian says he doesn't want to put all of the reserve's eggs in one basket.

"I want to try to create an economy that is going to give our people things to fall back on when the pipeline disappears or when the diamonds disappear," he says, adding he will encourage young people to look at traditional pursuits, such as art.

Fabian says he wants to give all band members the opportunity to better themselves. "For me, that's my goal."

Fabian, 52, says he will consult members on major issues, such as oil and gas development, land claims, opportunities for employment in the diamond mines and the Deh Cho process.

"It's not my opinion that counts here," he says. "It's the opinion of the total community."

Whatever the people tell him, he says that's the direction he will go. "If they say support the pipeline and try to get as many jobs as possible for our youth, try to educate our young people so they'll all be pipeliners, that's what I'll do."

However, he has environmental concerns over the Mackenzie Valley pipeline proposal. "I'm thinking generations ahead. How is it going to affect us?"

Union issue

One of the major issues Fabian will seek guidance on is the KFN's court challenge of the jurisdiction on the reserve of the Canada Industrial Relations Board. The previous council took the issue to court when the Public Service Alliance of Canada organized band workers and applied for certification.

"It's something that we need to revisit in this community," says Fabian. "We need to take a look at it and see if that's the direction we want to be going."

However, he says legal action is the only way the band has to get Canada to live up to its treaty obligations.

"They've been trying to renege on their promises to us. What other recourse to we have, but to take them to court?"

Fabian says union and treaty rights are connected because the government promised the Dene way of life would not be affected in any way.

Because of aboriginal rights and self-government, he says First Nations need their own labour laws.

However, Fabian notes some band members support the union. "Why are they supporting it? What the hell is going on in this administration and in this community that our people need a union to protect them?"

The new chief notes he once was a union member. "I took grievances to a union and they stood up for me and helped me to protect myself. I understand what it's about. So I think it can be a good thing."

The court challenge is scheduled to be heard in November.