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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
The leaders and membership of Liidlii Kue First Nation (LKFN) took a hard look during the weekend at where the First Nation currently is and what needs to be done for the future.

Approximately 50 people attended the strategic planning workshop that was held on Nov. 3 and 4. A core group of about 20 people stayed throughout the two days.

"I was really impressed with the turnout," said Chief Keyna Norwegian.

The last workshop of this kind for LKFN, which resulted in a strategic plan, was held in November 2009 under the leadership of the previous chief and council.

During the weekend the plan was revisited to see what still needs to be worked on and what members want, Norwegian said.

"It gave us some direction for the next three years of what needs to be continued and what needs to be finished," she said.

One of the biggest concerns raised at the meeting was communication.

"How do we get the information out and how do we get people interested," asked Norwegian.

LKFN has tried a number of methods to distribute information to members who don't come to membership meetings including a LKFN Facebook page, a website and fliers in the mail.

An option that is being explored is giving each councillor a list of members to go and visit directly in their homes.

How to draw in different segments of LKFN's membership was also discussed. An elders' council is in the process of being established. The council, which will meet once a month, will allow elders to bring their ideas forward, said Norwegian.

"We want them to feel they are valuable," she said.

Youths were also discussed.

Kristen Tanche, an LKFN member, suggested the band hold events or workshops for the youths where they can learn about the history of the North, particularly Fort Simpson, and what is happening in the region today.

This is the first strategic planning session Tanche has been a part of.

"It was really interesting to see how decisions are made," she said.

Tanche said she was glad LKFN held the session so people who were interested could give their input and get involved.

"I encourage more people to go to these types of meetings," she said.

A youth conference on First Nation issues such as the Dehcho Process and the Dehcho Land Use Plan is a good idea, said Norwegian.

"We know we need to be more respectful of our youth and we know their input is just as valuable as the elders'," she said.

Another major topic discussed at the workshop was how LKFN governs itself as a First Nation. The band doesn't have a constitution, just a lot of policies, said Norwegian.

The band will be looking to develop a constitution and will cover topics such as membership, proper conduct during meetings and how to deal with people who interfere with the land.

The band will also be setting up a committee to develop an elections policy specifically for LKFN. The current policy was modified from those of other organizations.

All of the input gathered at the session will be used to guide the council's work during its three-year term, Norwegian said.

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