Yellowknife (Sep 19/03) - There's a new chief in town, who plans an open door and open book policy for the Gwich'in people

Narrowly edging out the incumbent chief James Firth by seven votes, Richard Nerysoo campaigned on some simple, but important words: "I will not lie to you."

A former MLA, NWT government leader and President of the Gwich'in Tribal Council, this is Nerysoo's first time at the chief's desk.

Nerysoo looks forward to working with the new council and sees the mix as a good cross-section of people that have many good qualities to bring to council.

He plans to build a transparent government that allows for public review of the band's business through quarterly newsletters and financial statements.

"It's not an answer to all the problems, it just gives an indication of how we're doing," Nerysoo said. "There are no magic solutions."

He says the nature of accountability lies at the root of all decision making.

"You have to be prepared to answer those questions, otherwise there is no legitimacy to your decisions," he said.

Health, education, community, cultural and economic development are other issues he plans to work on through this administration.

He hopes to see the Gwich'in Development Corporation make room for burgeoning small business.

"There is a very important role for the development corporation; it's really a vital and crucial part of economic development, but small business has a critical role," he said. "Corporations can come and go, but small business is going to create the most jobs."

"I don't think we should be competing with small business."

As for his own small business -- an energy consulting firm -- Nerysoo has plans to set stringent rules that will leave no question of conflict of interest."I certainly won't get involved in any matter where there might be the perception of conflict," he said.

He will delegate decision making to councillors where conflict might be perceived or have a management company handle his business interests while he's chief.

The new Inuvik band chief and council were sworn in on Wednesday.

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