Fort Simpson (Jun 12/06) - Three people have put their names forward with hopes of becoming chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nation in Fort Simpson.

The candidates are the current Chief Keyna Norwegian, Jonas Antoine and Ernest Cazon.

Council Candidates Maria Bain Brandon Buggins Gabriel Buggins Alice (Dolly) Cazon Cheryl Cli Rita Cli Shaun Cli Peter Cornellie Irene Deneyoua Betty Hardisty Hazel Isiah Tanche Steven Jose Ethel Lamothe Lloyal Letcher Eric Menicoche William Michaud Dennis Nelner Courtney Squirrel

Norwegian said she decided to run for a second term for the sake of continuity. She said she's been involved in a lot of important issues over the past three years. She considers one of her strengths to be the relationships she has built with people in various levels of government and in the industries.

"The working relationships I've built over the years are crucial right now," she said.

Important issues in the region are the Dehcho Process, which has started to move forward, and concerns surrounding the proposed Mackenzie Valley natural gas pipeline, said Norwegian. The band has started to put staff and social programs in place to be ready before the development, she said.

Norwegian said the pipeline will only offer short-term positions, so she is looking at other alternatives for long-term job creation.

If re-elected, Norwegian said she will continue working on the principles of honesty and fairness.

For Jonas Antoine, the decision to run stemmed from a number of factors.

In the recent years there has been a disconnect between the chief and council and the rest of the membership, said Antoine. The leadership needs to touch base with the people to get direction.

Over the years, Antoine said he has been sub chief, acting chief, band manager and a member of almost every committee.

Antoine said his involvement means he is aware of all the current issues and well versed on the Dehcho Process.

"We have been sitting back being complacent, thinking things will fall in place," he said.

The First Nation needs to get the best possible deal from industries wanting to use the land. Jobs and the pipeline are the two main concerns of the band members, said Antoine. If elected, he said the first step will be to call a general assembly to remind the people who they are and spiritually reconnect with the land.

"It is everyone's responsibility to be Dene," he said.

Ernest Cazon said he decided to run for council to use his experience in the oil and gas industry for the benefit of the band.

Cazon worked for 8.5 years in Alberta for Shell Canada.

"We need to try to do the best for our future and the young people," said Cazon.

He spent more than 15 years as a sub chief and has been a councillor and an acting chief. The experience has given him a political background, said Cazon.

As chief, he said he would make himself available 24 hours a day and go house to house to talk with members who might not feel comfortable speaking at meetings.

Cazon also said lack of jobs is a key concern for band members. That is why the door cannot just be shut on development, he said.

Cazon said he would give the position of chief the same drive he puts into everything.

Advanced polls were held June 8. The election is scheduled for June 15 at the Recreation centre from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.