Fort Liard (Nov 05/04) - Deh Cho Health and Social Services is still trying to find a mental health and addictions counsellor for Fort Liard.

In response to letters of concern written to the Deh Cho Drum by a couple of Fort Liard residents last week, Minnie Letcher said the community's two social workers have been taking clients in need of addictions counselling in the interim. They have also been making referrals to the Hay River treatment centre for those who would benefit, according to Letcher, acting CEO of Deh Cho Health and Social Services (DCHSS).

She said her department has been advertising for a Fort Liard counsellor for the past few months. "We haven't been very successful," she said.

A promising candidate for Liard had been identified in September but that individual ended up backing out, she said.

Letcher noted that addictions counsellor positions have been transferred from First Nations to the territorial government across the NWT.

In Fort Liard, Health and Social Services has committed to provide, not only a counsellor, but a community wellness worker -- a position that has been awarded to a Slavey-speaking person, as Letcher said was requested by the band.

As well, the community health representative position has been retained.

Floyd Bertrand, chief of the Acho Dene Koe First Nation, said he and his council fought to keep the addictions counsellor position but "unfortunately they still took it over and just ignored what we've been saying."

Regardless, the band and Beaver Enterprises board are forging ahead with their own social program to assist ADK employees, he said.

Having a full complement of social services staff can't happen soon enough for Jack Yeadon, a Fort Liard resident. He said social problems, particularly drinking, have been prevalent in the community lately.

"Things in Fort Liard are just kind of hopping and popping," said Yeadon. "It's total chaos down here."

Harry Deneron, a former chief, has a different point of view.

"The thing here is that there's a little party going on here and there but it's no different than any other place," Deneron said.