Kakisa (Jul 07/06) - Dehcho leaders have sent a strong message to the federal government on their offer for the Dehcho process.

At the Dehcho Assembly in Kakisa on June 27, the federal negotiating team again presented the offer previously unveiled at the spring leadership meeting in Fort Liard. Chief federal negotiator Tim Christian elaborated on a few more details concerning self-government.

After listening to the presentation, the leaders voiced similar opinions.

"This is a non-starter," said Grand Chief Herb Norwegian.

"Canada has nothing to give the Dehcho First Nations."

Norwegian said Canada can't give the Dehcho land because it's already theirs. Similarly, people are born with the right to be self-governing, said Norwegian.

Chief Keyna Norwegian of the Liidlii Kue First Nation in Fort Simpson was also displeased with the offer because it calls for land selection.

"For you to come back with an offer like this, it's really disheartening. It's like going back 10 years ago," she said.

Norwegian said the offer is an insult to the elders and the people of the region.

The Dehcho is being pushed around, said Tim Lennie, a member of the Wrigley delegation.

"It's like I'm sitting across from the Communist Party - you say what's going to happen and we do what we're told," said Lennie.

Fort Liard Chief Harry Deneron had a slightly different view, urging the leaders to at least take the offer seriously.

"If you think you can stop the pipeline think again," Deneron said.

The federal government is not prepared to accept the Dehcho proposal, Tim Christian told the gathered leaders. Christian said it was his responsibility to explain the truth about Canada's position.

"I want to be totally candid with everyone here. I know that the offer that I presented here this afternoon does not make many people in this room jump for joy," said Christian according to transcripts.

Christian said the negotiating team is willing to be as creative as possible, but within limitations.

"What I would suggest that we do is roll up our sleeves, get down to work and see what kind of an agreement-in-principal we can come up with," said Christian.

The offer includes 39,000 square kilometres of land and $104 million to be paid out with interest over 15 years.

The Dehcho government would be given a broad range of authority and responsibilities including negotiating intergovernmental arrangements, promoting economic development and managing assets and rights.

The government would also have a primary role in program and service delivery in the region.

Dehcho law making authority would address matters that are internal to the Dehcho Dene, integral to their culture and essential to the operation of a Dehcho government. The authority to make laws would be shared with the federal and territorial governments. In both the regional and community government, 50 per cent of seats would be reserved for Dene. Residency requirements for voting and political rights could be set at a maximum of two years.

After being re-elected as Grand Chief, Herb Norwegian said the Dehcho Process will be his first order of business.

A special gathering might be called in the fall to put together a counter offer to present to Canada, he added.