LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
It's a new year, but Dehcho First Nations' Grand Chief Herb Norwegian is hoping to see progress on longstanding issues in 2013.
Dehcho First Nations' Grand Chief Herb Norwegian said the Dehcho Process will continue to be a key issue this year. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo
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Looking at the year ahead, Norwegian said he's hoping to make headway on three related issues: the Dehcho Process, the Dehcho Land Use Plan and devolution talks.
"They are all interlinked," he said.
The Dehcho Process is currently at a stalemate, but Norwegian would like to get it on a fast track in 2013.
Norwegian is hoping to receive some positive indicators from the federal government that it is willing to move ahead. If that happens, Norwegian said the next step would be to get the Dehcho First Nations leadership to approve an option related to the process to present at the annual assembly in the summer.
Norwegian would also like to bring together elders from the region to gather their opinions on the process. Communities will also have to be updated, he said.
With the Idle No More movement putting pressure on the federal government, this is a good time for the Deh Cho to make some progress, he said. The federal government may see the Dehcho Process as an issue it can move forward.
Linked to the Dehcho Process is the Dehcho Land Use Plan. Approximately 95 per cent complete, the plan is also at a standstill, said Norwegian.
He hopes to kickstart that process this year and finalize the plan. There are still six or seven items related to the plan, including Edehzhie, that have to be discussed at the main negotiation table.
"I'm hoping we can move the whole thing forward," he said.
Solidarity is what Norwegian sees as the largest challenge to moving forward on the Dehcho Process and the land use plan.
"Making sure everyone is on side," he said.
Pehdzeh Ki First Nation of Wrigley withdrew from the Dehcho Process last year at the annual assembly. Norwegian said he believes the First Nation is sitting on the sidelines, waiting to see what happens. If there are good signals hopefully they will come back, he said.
Norwegian also hopes to reach a conclusion with the Hay River Reserve. The K'atlodeeche First Nation has been moving between being in and out of the process.
It will be up to the community if they want to be part of the process and if their reserve status – a stumbling block to them being part of the process – is something they want to keep.
"It's really their call," he said.
Norwegian's personal preference is for the community to stay in the process even if they have to let go of their reserve status.
Norwegian said he also hopes to see positive things happen with the devolution talks this year.
In the end, Norwegian said he wants to see the rights of the Deh Cho people fully protected and a final Dehcho Process agreement reached.
