Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Liard (Nov 28/05) - The Acho Dene Koe First Nation isn't getting enough royalty money from Dehcho First Nations, according to Chief Harry Deneron.

However, the Dehcho First Nation's executive director replied that the process for accessing the $1 million royalty pot was well advertised months ago. The Fort Liard band simply didn't apply for any more than the $10,000 it received, according to Alison de Pelham.

Deneron said Dehcho First Nations invited him to attend a meeting where the projects receiving royalty funding would be announced. He showed up for that meeting in Fort Simpson, which was held two weeks ago, but after realizing how little money was coming to the Acho Dene Koe he walked out in disgust.

"I wished they would have told me that. I would have stayed home," he said. "Unreal! I just couldn't believe that."

De Pelham said $150,000 of the royalty money was earmarked for the Deh Cho Economic Development Corp. The remaining $850,000 was disbursed to bands or businesses that applied for a share.

The Acho Dene Koe Corporate Group only asked for $10,000, she said.