FORT SIMPSON - With the conclusion of a fire feeding ceremony held at the arbour on the Papal site in Fort Simpson, the 15th Dehcho Annual Assembly was launched.

Dehcho First Nations' Grand Chief Herb Norwegian warms a drum over a fire to tighten the skin before performing in part of the fire feeding ceremony that launched the 15th annual Dehcho Annual Assembly in Fort Simpson. Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

About 80 people gathered at the arbour on June 26 to watch and participate in the ceremony.

They are part of the 500 people who are expected to take part in the assembly, including approximately 85 elders, chiefs and councillors who are representing 10 Deh Cho communities. For three days the delegates are expected to talk about a wide range of issues.

"We have a lot of stuff on our agenda," said Grand Chief Herb Norwegian during his opening remarks.

In his speech, Norwegian touched on a number of issues that he considers important.

One is the Dehcho Process in which the Dehcho First Nations have been directed to select lands.

"Many people do not like the idea of land selection," said Norwegian, speaking through a translator.

Linked to the Dehcho Process is the Dehcho Land Use Plan, which is also on the agenda.

"We have to discuss this issue really well," said Norwegian.

The title for this year's assembly is "Defending the Dehcho Homeland."

Another matter on the agenda is education of the youth.

Education standards don't seem to be as high in the Deh Cho as they are in the south, said Norwegian.

"This is a very important issue we have to talk to as well," he said.

Chief Keyna Norwegian of the Liidlii Kue First Nation encouraged the delegates to come to the table with an open mind so that discussion on issues can move forward.

"We have some very important issues on the agenda that we have to make decisions on," she said in her welcoming speech.

She also said that the co-hosts Liidlii Kue First Nations and the Fort Simpson Metis Nation have worked hard to make sure the assembly will be a success.

This is the first time that the assembly has been held outside of Kakisa. A decision was made to move the venue to give the community of Kakisa a break. Norwegian thanked the people of Kakisa for their years as host.

"It's not easy. It's kind of difficult," said Norwegian.

Marie Lafferty, the president of the Fort Simpson Metis Nation, told the delegates that she will miss camping in Kakisa this year, but thought it was a good idea to give the small community a rest.

The decision to host the assembly in Fort Simpson was made in part so it would coincide with the 20th anniversary of the visit from Pope John Paul II.