Fort Simpson (June 13/03) - Aboriginal women may be passed over if nominated for the position of Deh Cho grand chief.

Two Fort Simpson elders -- members of the elders council that will screen nominees -- said they don't believe a woman would be the right person for the job.

When asked whether a woman could become grand chief, elder Leo Norwegian replied, "I don't think so."

Women didn't hold positions of political power in traditional Dene society. Some elders still complain about women being chiefs, according to Norwegian.

"We've got to hang on to our laws and policies," he said. "Our grandfathers did this, why not us ... I don't see why we should change."

Elder Mary Cazon agreed that women are not the best candidates for the region's highest aboriginal office.

"For women I think it's going to be pretty hard," said Cazon. "Some women, they've got kids at home to worry about. It's not going to be very easy for them."

Michael Nadli, outgoing grand chief, played down the notion of gender inequality among nominees.

"I don't have reason to believe that it's an issue at this point, not unless people are going to make it an issue," said Nadli.

"I don't think it's the focus of the elders to approach it that way. I think they're trying to get the sense of the best person for the job.

"Of course they have their traditional perspective, yet at the same time, it's been quite clear that the membership are insisting that youth be involved and elders be involved and women be involved."

Nadli said his opinion is that a woman is indeed capable of fulfilling the role of grand chief.

Nominations for grand chief close on June 18.