Chris Hunsley
Northern News Services

Inuvik (June 20/05) - After months of infighting, the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board has sent a clear message to directors: Work with us or get out.

"We said we wouldn't work with any directors who wouldn't follow board direction after April 28 when we accepted Todd (Burlingame) as chair," said Willard Hagen, chair of the Gwich'in Land and Water Board, one of three boards that make up the Mackenzie Valley board. "It's time to shut up and get back to work."

The MVLWB issues land access and water-use permits for all Northern development.

Vocal in his opposition to Burlingame, Stephen Nielsen, former interim chair and member of the panel for unsettled land claim areas, was absent from a two-day MVLWB meeting in Inuvik last week.

"Through a unilateral decision from the chair I've been excluded from making decisions on business matters indefinitely," he said.

Since he no longer participates in the business decisions, he explained that he did not feel it was an appropriate use of the boards funds for him to travel to Inuvik.

Jack Van Camp, who has expressed disapproval of Burlingame's appointment and methods, was travelling and absent from the meeting.

In a letter to DIAND Minister Andy Scott last month, Burlingame explained the Gwich'in board refused to participate in meetings with Nielsen.

"The Gwich'in also recommend the chair seek the resignation of Mr. Nielsen, or failing that, request the Minister to initiate consultation for the removal of the member," he wrote.

Burlingame would not comment to the media about the letter.

"This is not about Stephen and it's not about Jack, it's about federal and territorial appointees who won't follow the board's direction," said Hagen, noting expressing opinions during debate is fine but when the board votes to move on an issue a director must follow.

"We've got a job and it's clear what we have to do and it's not to act like spoiled kids when we don't get what we want."

Nielsen had been one of three candidates in the running prior to Burlingame's appointment.

Hagen said that Nielsen's potential removal, which can only be done by the minister, is a loss to the board.

"He has a lot to offer and it's a shame he's chosen this route," he said. "He went for that, all or nothing, and he lost."

As a director, Nielsen must appear at one board meeting a year and does not receive a salary.