Snowdrift (Apr 21/03) - The Lutselk'e Dene Band wants to handle their high school residence program themselves.

Right now the band leases a privately owned residence for its senior high school students in Fort Smith.

The South Slave Divisional Education Council says while they are open to the idea, they have not heard from the band.

"We haven't received any confirmation from the band or the DEA (District Education Authority)," said Brian Leadbetter, a spokesperson for the South Slave Divisional Education Council.

"Once we do, we would field those requests."

Tu Nedhe MLA Steven Nitah and Education Minister Jake Ootes have been working with the band to make it happen, Nitah said in an interview last week.

The band wants to teach language and culture as an extra curricular activity and hire their own house parents "creating a better environment for the students," Nitah added.