Fort Simpson (Apr 04/03) - The Deh Cho will be best prepared for pipeline impacts if all stakeholders plan together.

That was the conclusion that delegates at a social development forum reached last week. About 25 people from five communities took part in the event. They created a recommended action plan for the Deh Cho First Nations (DCFN), which sanctioned the forum.

It was decided that a regional conference, inclusive of every political body and business, should be held as soon as possible. There, the DCFN -- regional First Nations negotiating with Ottawa to form a public government in the Deh Cho -- can present a vision statement. Stakeholders will then be in a better position to draft their own strategic plans in regards to a pipeline, forum delegates agreed.

"It would really help you adapt to whatever is emerging ... (we) need to be on the same wavelength," said Larry Campbell, who was representing the NWT Housing Corporation.

Facilitator Rene Lamothe suggested that having one regional strategic plan would be ideal. It would eliminate gaps and overlaps, result in cost-savings and facilitate unity by creating a common vision. Currently, some Deh Cho residents do not feel empowered, Lamothe noted, and consequently have become apathetic.

"Fewer and fewer people are willing to stay involved in our communities," he said.

A regional strategic plan may be a tool to entice them to become active and involved again, he suggested.

Lamothe acknowledged that such an initiative will take an extensive amount of work by many people. The proposed conference, to jump-start the process, could possibly be paid for by the federal and territorial governments, he said, and maybe industry too.

No representatives from the DCFN's head office were present at the forum.

Pipeline issues

The delegates identified myriad concerns associated with the $3-4 billion Mackenzie Valley pipeline. Demands for housing, emergency services and health care are expected to rise. There will also be impacts on roads, sewage and water services as well as the environment and local culture. Financial counselling and various types of training will be required.

There was also mention of the potential for increased alcoholism, drug use and family violence.

Community representatives expressed common and unique concerns. Pehdzeh Ki Chief Tim Lennie noted that when pipeline construction begins, a 500-person camp will be located 20 kilometres north of Wrigley, a community of 160 people.

What sort of effects will that have on the community, he wondered.

One delegate later expressed a general concern about pipeline workers coming into the communities and "stealing away" local women. A shelter for a growing number of single mothers may become a subsequent need, it was suggested.

There was also mention of the experience in Fort Liard, where students with Grade 9 education were leaving school to work as labourers.

They were making enough money to buy themselves a truck, but often didn't resume their formal education. That situation can't be repeated, delegates agreed.