That's the message from the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board (MVLWB) and the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development in regards to Deh Cho First Nations' complaint that a promised land and water panel hasn't materialized.

Two weeks ago, the DCFN sent letters to the MVLWB and DIAND conveying its frustration over the failure to create a Deh Cho land and water panel. The panel was a provision of the Interim Measures Agreement signed in May, 2001. That panel would be designated to oversee land-use permit applications and water licence applications within the region.

Grand Chief Michael Nadli said without the panel, the DCFN doesn't have the capacity to properly review the large volume of applications. Until there's progress, Nadli said, all applications will be marked "no community support" and returned to sender.

Bob Wooley, executive director for the MVLWB, which currently has jurisdiction in the Deh Cho without a Deh Cho representative, said the land and water board will be responding to the Deh Cho's concerns with a letter of its own.

He said he expected the reply to be delivered by the end of this week.

Wooley declined further comment on the dispute or the repercussions of the DCFN's move to reject all land and water applications.

"I think it would be really disrespectful for us to start talking about it without having a chance to address that in the letter (to the DCFN)," Wooley said. "We're not going to be debating this in the paper."

Renee Filiatrault, press secretary for Robert Nault, said DIAND will also be responding directly to the DCFN in a timely manner.

She added that DIAND is committed to seeing that the Deh Cho have representation on the MVLWB and Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board. Filiatrault would offer no further comment on the matter.