Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (June 24/05) - How much longer until self-government is a reality?

That was one question Coun. Tom Wilson posed to Dehcho First Nations Grand Chief Herb Norwegian at a luncheon meeting with village council on June 17.

There will be no attempt to expropriate privately-held land under a Deh Cho Dene government, Grand Chief Herb Norwegian told village council on June 17. However, when self-government takes effect, vacant land will only be available for lease, not for sale, he acknowledged. Mayor Raymond Michaud is seen in the background.

"It just doesn't sound like there's going to be any movement for another 10-15 years... the longer the (federal) government can drag this out, the happier they'll be," Wilson said.

Norwegian, consulting with village council for the first time, replied that DFN is aiming for an agreement in principle with the federal government in two years and a final agreement within five years. Then a governing model like that adopted by the Tlicho (Dogrib) could be a reality in the Deh Cho.

The First Nations and Metis are striving to establish a regional public government based on Dene laws and principles, Norwegian told village council.

He said it will enable Deh Cho citizens to look after their own territory by exercising "province like" powers. Non-aboriginals will need to meet a residency requirement - currently proposed to be five years - to gain citizenship and voting rights.

In response to Coun. Dennis Nelner, Norwegian confirmed that existing governing bodies will be merged in communities. How a new council will be composed isn't exactly certain, but there will be at least 50 per cent Dene representation, he noted. He added that an elders' council will also play a central role in the Deh Cho.

"We're all one people in the community," he said. "What we have to do is figure out what is the best system we can work with."

There will be an overlap period before village council is dissolved, Norwegian said. No one will wake up tomorrow morning to find a different flag flying in front of the village office, he joked.

Because a Deh Cho constitution is still being revised, perhaps a forum could be held to gather input from all the region's municipal representatives, the grand chief suggested.

"We're (keeping) our doors wide open on this and trying to be as transparent as possible," said Norwegian.