Fort Simpson (Jan 05/07) - Residents of the Deh Cho have varying thoughts on 2006, but all can agree that it's over.

The year went much too fast and was very busy, said Lucy Landry of Fort Providence. Many people agree.

In Fort Providence the new year will bring a new mayor. Tina Gargan, left, takes office as Maggie Levavasseur leaves the position. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

At the Deh Gah Got'ie Koe First Nation band office in Fort Providence, it was a very busy year, said Greg Nyuli. The Mackenzie Valley pipeline and other business kept the office humming.

For the community it was a borderline year, said Tina Gargan. There were many losses in the community, she said.

"It's been a challenging year, I think," said Gargan.

Gargan, who will be taking the position of mayor of the hamlet in the new year, said she's grateful for every day even if it's a challenge.

Looking back at 2006, Maggie Levavasseur, Fort Providence's outgoing mayor, said the year went well for the hamlet. Council worked well together, said Levavasseur, who was mayor for three years. In 2007 the council will have to deal with new issues including the gas tax, the Municipal and Community Affairs' New Deal for community governments and the weight of having more responsibilities.

"I think council will have some work ahead of them, she said.

Deh Cho MLA Michael McLeod also sees new challenges ahead.

Across the territory and especially in the Deh Cho it's been a busy year, said McLeod. The area has dealt with a number of large issues including the pipeline and the land claim offer from the federal government and will continue to do so, he said.

Quality and quantity of water will also be an upcoming issue, said McLeod. Water levels dropped in the Mackenzie River in the fall and people are concerned about what's happening. Alberta has been holding back the water, he said.

McLeod said the Deh Cho will have to ensure they have good water quality and also enough water so they can enjoy the Mackenzie River.

Residents in the Deh Cho will also have to concern themselves with climate change. Changes have already been seen including the appearance of animals like deer, cougars and magpies as well as people falling through the ice on trails that have been used for hundreds of years, said McLeod. Changes will have to be made so things are done more efficiently.

"Everyone has to do their part," he said.

A federal election might also be in the books, said McLeod. He expects an election will be called in the spring, as the Liberals with their new leader take on the Conservatives. The Conservatives think they'll win the Northwest Territories, he said.

Overall, McLeod said he's confident about 2007.

"I think we'll have a good year," said McLeod.

For Karalyn Bonnetrouge the year went well because she decided to take night classes to gain enough credits for her high school diploma. Between January and June she passed all her courses to finish with 111 credits, 11 more than she needed to graduate.

"This was a very successful year for me because I got my high school diploma and I feel like a changed person after that," said Bonnetrouge.

Bonnetrouge was also proud to attend the Dehcho First Nations' special assembly in November as one of the delegates from the Deh Gah Got'ie Koe First Nations. It was her first time as a delegate and she was the youngest one from the band.

It was also a good year for Rachel Constant, 19, who travelled to Botswana with the Northern Youth Abroad Program.

"That was a really good experience," said Constant.

In 2007, she expects another great year filled with change.

Yvonne Anderson, who teaches Grade 1 at Deh Gah school, said the year has been rewarding and challenging.

"I hope it continues into 2007," she said.

In Fort Simpson, Mayor Duncan Canvin said the year got better as it progressed.

The year started off on shaky ground, said Canvin, referring to the dissolution of the village council in January. Things improved after a new council was elected and recently re-elected.

"We started off on a really good foot after that," he said.

A number of bright points highlighted the year in the village including the Governor General's visit, the Beavertail Jamboree and Volunteer Week. Having Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche appointed as the minister of transportation was also a bonus because residents' concerns over the quality of Hwy. 1 might become more relevant, said Canvin.

The advancement of the Community Capacity Building Fund was also a major accomplishment for the village. With the co-operation of the Metis Nation and the Liidlii Kue First Nation, consensus was reached and projects including the fire hall expansion, the swimming pool and concrete in the arena are set to move ahead, he said.

"It was a pretty productive nine months," said Canvin.

Looking into 2007, Canvin said he is anxious for warm weather so the projects can get underway. He expects to see most of them completed in the next year. Canvin also said more roads will be upgraded and chipsealed in the village.

"The future is looking pretty darn bright right now," said Canvin.