Fort Simpson (Sep 05/03) - First Nations should not be selling land, according to Herb Norwegian, grand chief of the Deh Cho First Nations.

Norwegian told the Drum that the Liidlii Kue First Nation's plan to develop fee simple lots is "dangerous" because it jeopardizes aboriginal ties to the land in a broader context.

"If you sell land you're no different than other (land claims) groups. They're actually extinguishing (title) to their own land," said Norwegian.

"If that is the case then people should look at whether they want to actually get into land selection and get us seriously talking about a land claim kind of approach... it's walking on really thin ice."

For the time being, he said he would prefer to see lots developed on Indian Affairs Branch lands or "band lands" for Dene descendants. Other lands may be set aside for general housing following further self-government negotiations, he suggested.

As for the red tape that the LKFN has encountered, Norwegian said aboriginal leaders must be assertive.

"(Aboriginal) leaders have got this view that we've got to get permission from somebody upstairs," Norwegian said. "Leaders need to report back to their people and tell them it's our land and we will determine how we will do it."

He added that Fort Simpson's existing subdivision, Wild Rose Acres, was built with the Liidlii Kue First Nation taking the lead in consultation with the territorial government and the Village of Fort Simpson.

"It was a collective thing. You need to bring the community together behind your plan... then governments will cater to you," said Norwegian.