Fort Simpson (Sep 05/03) - Building a new subdivision to meet Fort Simpson's housing needs isn't a simple process.

That's what the Liidlii Kue First Nation (LKFN) has found out, according to Chief Keyna Norwegian.

The LKFN is proposing to create 40 to 50 new housing units between Fort Simpson proper and Bannockland. But the land is unsurveyed Commissioner's land -- under the jurisdiction of the GNWT -- so there is a lengthy process to follow before work can begin.

The LKFN has solicited letters of support from the Metis Local, the Deh Cho First Nations and the Dene Nation, as the government's policy requires. Following a few more steps, including consultations, the land could be turned over to the Village of Fort Simpson. In turn, the Village would sign over the land to Nogha Enterprises, the LKFN's economic development arm.

Bernice Swanson, the Village's senior administrative officer, said the village also recognizes the need for more housing and is therefore agreeable to the initiative.

The village doesn't stand to profit from the development of the lots -- which will be available for purchase rather than leased -- but nor will the village incur the expense of developing, Swanson noted. She added that the developer will be responsible for establishing power and phone lines, and to develop and maintain roads for two years.

In light of interim self-government agreements signed by the region's First Nations to date, Norwegian said she doesn't understand why the process is still so rigorous.

"As aboriginal people we're saying, 'This is our land. We want to develop it.' I told somebody, Let's just go there and bulldoze it, it's going to eventually come to us anyway," she said, adding that Vince Steen, minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, has assured the LKFN that he will discuss the issue with Cabinet.

Jim Antoine, MLA for the Nahendeh region and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, could not be reached for comment. A projected figure to develop the lots hasn't been determined yet, according to Norwegian.

Surveyors are expected to arrive this week, which will help define the cost.

"Pretty much there's no vacancy as it is right now so were looking at getting more lots available," Norwegian said.