Fort Simpson (July 04/03) - On June 27, his first full day as grand chief, Herb Norwegian said he felt no different than the day before.

Herb Norwegian jubilantly joins drum dances after being proclaimed the new grand chief for the Deh Cho First Nations on June 26. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

"Not really. I've been involved in the (negotiations) stuff for a long time," he said, standing at the edge of the arbour while the aboriginal delegates inside carried on political discussions.

"It's a good feeling, that's all I've been getting all day," he added. "I'm pretty relaxed today."

The previous evening was anything but relaxing, however. Debate raged for hours over an elders' recommendation that Herb Norwegian -- one of five candidates -- be named grand chief. Ted Landry, speaking on behalf of the other elders, said Norwegian has worked closely with former Grand Chief Michael Nadli for years, so he's already well trained for the position.

"We as elders, we know exactly who people are, what they are," said Landry.

Regardless, a majority of delegates insisted on holding an election and that's ultimately what happened. Norwegian won with more than 50 per cent of the vote on the first ballot.

One of the resolutions passed the next day specified that grand chief selection procedures and policies would be presented at next year's Deh Cho Assembly for approval. Norwegian said he likes having the elders screen the candidates but he suggested that they short-list prospective leaders to no less than two or three candidates so an election can be held.

Norwegian, the son of Roderique Norwegian, was the Deh Cho's assistant negotiator for the past five years. He has also been chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nation (1992-97) and served as vice-president of the Dene Nation (1979-83) under president Georges Erasmus.

Former Grand Chief Michael Nadli said he feels that Norwegian is well suited for the role because of his political experience.

"It's just natural for him to step up," said Nadli.

In his opening remarks during the candidates forum, Norwegian told of how he was instrumental in drafting the wording of the Deh Cho Declaration. A summary of his responses from the question and answer session follows:

- On being Dene -- Norwegian said the Dene protect the land for future generations, whereas non-aboriginals tend to take from the land.

- On resource development -- He said the interim self-government agreements, such as land withdrawals, put Deh Cho aboriginals in the driver's seat. The Deh Cho must act like a government, like "a boss," he said. "Get (industry) to play ball with you on your level, on your own turf. That's the only way it will work."

- Top three priorities as grand chief

1. The DCFN needs to make people feel comfortable with self-government negotiations; the land remains intact and aboriginals have some degree of control
2. Healthy families
3. Governance based on Dene values espoused by elders

- On improving education -- He said the focus must be on making families healthier; jobs must be available for youth and students must "meet us half way" in identifying their ambitions and objectives.

- On helping those with addictions -- Norwegian noted that there are people in the region who have overcome their addictions and are now healthy and productive. Maybe they can help others, he suggested.