Fort Simpson (Jun 23/06) - Keyna Norwegian has been re-elected chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nation in Fort Simpson.

Following the June 15 election, it was announced Norwegian received 118 votes, followed by 94 for Ernest Cazon and 75 for Jonas Antoine.

Elected councillors (r)= returning Rita Cli- 184 Betty Hardisty- 153 Courtney Squirrel- 152 Steve Jose- 150 Cheryl Cli- 142 Loyal Letcher- 138 (r) Hazel Isiah-Tanche- 132 (r) William Michaud- 131

Coming into the election, Norwegian said she felt confident she would be re-elected and that people kept saying now is not the time for change.

She also said people want to see a continuation and insure progress is made on issues such as access and benefits agreements.

While Norwegian is returning to the position as chief for her second term, only two of the elected councillors were on the previous council.

Norwegian said she's heard some concerns about the fact that five of the councillors are related to the Cli family, but she is confident they are capable of being able to sit at the table and not take advantage of that fact. "I'm very excited about the council," she said.

Norwegian said she is also happy that Courtney Squirrel, a youth, has been elected. She cannot remember having a youth on council previously.

In the short term, Norwegian said she will be meeting with the councillors to hear why they got involved and what their immediate concerns are.

From her first term, Norwegian said she wants to continue organizing LKFN to control and take over much of the social programming to meet the needs of the band members.

"My goal is to create a First Nations where we are in control of our programs," she said.

This control will be needed to face the effects of future development.

It will also be part of the preparation for self government, Norwegian said.