2001
The year
in Review

NWT
Nunavut
Business
The Arts
Sports
Inuvik Drum
Deh Cho Drum
Kivalliq News

January

Paramount pulls plug Paramount Resources Ltd. announced it was abandoning $65 million worth of gas projects in the Fort Liard area because of delays acquiring land-use permits. The move cost Acho Dene Koe companies approximately $4.5 million in wages and benefits, according to Shane Parrish, chief executive officer of the ADK Corporate Group.

Accident kills businessman

Bill Der, the owner of Fort Simpson's Sub-Arctic Wok, was killed Jan. 8 when his pick-up truck collided with a semi-trailer parked on the shoulder of Highway 1. Der's passenger, his wife Jeannette, was injured but survived the crash.

Power struggle

Fort Simpson Mayor Tom Wilson complained that village council never received enough notice to intervene in a 9.9 cent fuel rider imposed by the NWT Power Corporation. Peter Watt, communications officer for the Power Corp., said the rider was a reflection of higher fuel costs. He said municipalities can only intervene in general rate applications.

More teachers needed

During a community meeting, Fort Simpson District Education Authority chair Shane Thompson demanded that the 21.6-to-1 pupil-teacher ratio at Bompas elementary school be lowered. Nolan Swartzentruber, Deh Cho superintendent, said the Dehcho Divisional Education Council was already $257,000 over budget for the year and $244,000 of that was allotted to Fort Simpson for extra staff.

Protecting Edehzhie

Aboriginal leaders passed a resolution to protect the Horn Plateau and surrounding area. The area is a rich hunting, trapping and fishing ground. There are burials sites there too.

"It's such a spiritual place," Deh Cho boundaries co-ordinator Herb Norwegian said.

Runway lights vandalized

Fort Simpson pilot Fred Aubin warned that careless snowmobilers were jeopardizing lives by damaging runway lights and cords at the in-town airstrip.

"If there's a medevac in the middle of the night and there's no runway lights, (the pilot's) not going anywhere," Aubin said.

Tax protest

Contending it would hurt tourism, most Deh Cho hotel owners were adamantly opposed to the territorial government's proposed five per cent hotel room tax. The bill was later defeated in the legislative assembly.

Switch to CARS

NavCanada downgraded the Fort Simpson airport from flight services to a Community Aerodrome Radio Station (CARS). The airport remains open 24 hours per day.

Pilling recognized

Roger Pilling was named the NWT/Yukon regional finalist for the Canadian Curling Association's Volunteer of the Year Award.

February

Moses moves in

David Moses became Pehdzeh Ki First Nation chief in Wrigley after his older brother Albert stepped down.

The new chief identified economic issues as his top priority.

Hockey reward

Grade 6 student Skyler Tanche and RCMP Const. Ken McKinnon attended an Edmonton Oilers hockey game thanks to Skyler's drug awareness poster. The Oilers and San Jose Sharks skated to a 2-2 draw.

Coveting resource revenues

The Deh Cho First Nations announced they were pursuing an interim resource development agreement (IRDA) with the federal government. The agreement meant development could proceed prior to a final self-government agreement, expected to take seven years. The IRDA would grant the First Nations a percentage of resource royalties.

Great skater

Vanessa Gerlock, a 15-year-old member of the Fort Simpson Skating Club, was a double gold-medal winner at the territorial figure skating championships. Gerlock received top marks in the pre-preliminary C elements and free skate events.

CanTung revival?

The president of Vancouver-based junior mining company North American Tungsten revealed that the CanTung Mine, located near the NWT/Yukon border, could be back in production before the end of the year. The mine ceased operation in 1986, but rising tungsten prices rejuvenated interest in the project.

Oil and gas review

The Acho Dene Koe First Nation announced a study to examine the effects of the oil and gas industry on the community. The results would help determine if and when more land will be available for oil and gas exploration, and under what conditions, according to Acho Dene Koe Chief Judy Kotchea.

Women welders

Fifteen women in Fort Providence participated in a one-week introductory welding course. The course was made available through Aurora College, which supplied a mobile welding unit and instructor Colin Bradbury.

Goodbye granny

Hundreds of people from around the NWT, Alberta and B.C. bid farewell to 100-year-old Celine "Granny" Lafferty, who was laid to rest in Fort Simpson. Born in Fort Providence on Oct. 22, 1900, Granny was one of the Deh Cho's most respected elders.

Deh Gah skiers successful

Skiers from host Deh Gah school in Fort Providence prevailed in the NWT School Skiing Championships. Close to 20 students trained regularly for the event, coach Marvin Lizotte said.

Share of the rig

The Acho Dene Koe Group of Companies purchased 25 per cent ownership in a $6.7 million triple drilling rig. Calgary-based Akita owned 50 per cent and the other 25 per cent was held by the Yukon's Kaska First Nation.

FAS strategy

Deh Gah school adopted a no afternoon recess policy. Instead, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. the school offered activities, such as skating, chess, art, aerobics and volleyball, designed to be more inclusive of those with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol effects (FAE).

Ordained

Reverend Carol Vatcher was ordained priest at St. David's parish in Fort Simpson. She was the first woman to be ordained in the "new" NWT, since Nunavut separated.

March

Slavey innovator

Philip Howard, who created the Slavey alphabet and a Slavey dictionary, returned to the Deh Cho to give grammar lessons in the Dene language. From New York, he and his wife Margaret lived in Nahanni Butte in the 1950s and 1960s.

Runway rumble

Debate continued as to whether Fort Simpson's in-town runway, a privately-owned business, should shut down in favour of having all operations at the Department of Transportation airport. The territorial government was undertaking a 20-year airport development plan and contended that traffic needed to be increased at the airport to justify improvements.

Manslaughter sentence

Robby Mark Berreault, 23, of Fort Liard, was sentenced to four years in jail by Justice Virginia Schuler for the manslaughter of an 87-year-old Fort Liard elder. Berreault, who served two years awaiting trial, was found guilty by a Supreme Court jury in Fort Simpson.

Housing prospects

The Acho Dene Koe First Nation in Fort Liard was looking into the feasibility of having desperately needed housing provided by the Tthek'ehdeli First Nation in Jean Marie River, where a log-turning mill is located.

Wise woman

Mary Louise Norwegian was honoured as a Wise Woman by the Status of Women Council of the NWT. Norwegian said her father, Joseph Norwegian, taught her to respect others, to be honest and not to give up easily.

Carpenter not guilty

In Hay River territorial court, Const. Merle Carpenter, a 15-year RCMP veteran, was found not guilty of fraud and theft charges, levelled while he was stationed in Fort Liard.

He said the verdict was "a big weight" off his shoulders.

Sibbeston saluted

Nick Sibbeston, of Fort Simpson, was awarded an Aboriginal Achievement Award for public service.

Sibbeston, a senator, former territorial government leader and the NWT's first aboriginal lawyer, said the award was a surprise but welcome.

World poverty

Robert Loe, a Grade 10 student at Echo Dene school in Fort Liard, attended the Youth Forum of the Americas in Quebec City.

There he and 300 other students discussed globalization and aid to poverty-stricken countries.

Farm remains a dream

Leonard Ireland maintained his quest to establish a muskox farm in Jean Marie River, but the Department of Wildlife wouldn't permit it.

The government's concerns surrounded potential parasites and diseases.

Way to go, Lois

Lois Martin was named Deh Cho Health and Social Services' employee of the year. Martin was chosen because she provides top-notch nursing to human patients and treats pets after hours too.

April

Seismic deal

The Nahanni Butte Dene band signed a $15-million seismic agreement with Calgary-based Arcis Corporation.

Nahanni Butte was guaranteed jobs and training. Arcis planned to carry out two seismic projects, the first during summer.

No money for mayor

A request for a half-time salary by Fort Simpson Mayor Tom Wilson was rejected by village council. Wilson was seeking $30,000 per year for the time he devotes to municipal matters.

Hello, Equador

Representing Acho Dene Koe businesses, Shane Parrish and Jim Duntra were flown to Equador by Alberta Energy Company (AEC) to tell of their experiences with oil and gas. AEC was attempting to build business relations in Equador.

Special teacher

Deh Gah school teacher June Lewis won a trip to Edmonton following a letter of commendation from Grade 10 student Karalyn Bonnetrouge, who said she thinks of Lewis as a friend. The Thanks for Making a Difference contest was held across the NWT and Nunavut.

Dora hits 100

Dora Nahanni was surrounded by family for her 100th birthday celebration. Nahanni raised five children on her own and was a very capable provider in the bush.

Valuable volunteers

The Fort Simpson Volunteer Fire Department garnered the 2001 Outstanding Community Organization award from the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. Ed ten Brinke, of Wrigley, was named a Regional Good Neighbour, while Betty Hardisty, of Fort Simpson, received a Regional Board Member Award.

Supportive living

Deh Cho Health and Social Services received government funding for a 14-bed, supported-living environment at the former Stanley Isaiah seniors home.

Support and supervision, not nursing care, was the role defined for the facility.

Seismic backlash

Deh Cho First Nations Grand Chief Michael Nadli said Arcis Corporation should have sought support from regional First Nations before signing a seismic deal with the Nahanni Butte Dene band. Bill Beaton, a consultant for Nahanni Butte, said the deal complied with the spirit and intent of Deh Cho assembly resolutions and the Interim Measures Agreement.

Jobs through partnerships

Three joint ventures with southern companies provided Kakisa, a community of 50 people, with plenty of jobs. Allan Landry, director of oil and gas for the Ka'a'gee Tu First Nation, said people from Trout Lake and Fort Providence were also employed through Kakisa's partnerships with a surveying and engineering company, a camps and catering business and a logistics operation.

May

Deneron calls for action

Harry Deneron, former chief of the Acho Dene Koe, called upon the Deh Cho First Nations (DCFN) to get involved with the Aboriginal Pipeline Group's (APG) discussions regarding a Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

DCFN Grand Chief Michael Nadli said there was no DCFN representation at an APG meeting in Fort Liard because notice was only given at the last moment.

Fourth lien

Camillus Engineering Consultants Ltd. (CECL) filed a $673,099 lien against the village of Fort Simpson's sewage treatment plant. CECL had been contracted to build the plant. Three other liens had already been filed against the property.

Funding cuts

An accountant informed village council that a $40,000 deficit was expected in the 2001 budget.

Worse yet, the department of municipal and community affairs was prepared to cut $500,000 in funding in 2002 and another $500,000 in 2003.

Fashioning a deal

Nats'enelu, a Dene-inspired fashion business based in Fort Simpson, was pursuing a licensing agreement with a Winnipeg company. The deal would make Nats'enelu self-sufficient, according to general manager and chief designer D'Arcy Moses.

Pipeline group slammed

The Deh Cho First Nations accused the Aboriginal Pipeline Group of straying too far from its mandate to explore all possible Mackenzie Valley pipeline options. Dennis Nelner, a Deh Cho representative on the APG, said the criticism was unfair and unfounded.

Leaving on a jet plane

Felix Isiah and Derek Erasmus ventured off to experience other cultures with Canada World Youth. Isiah was bound for Uruguay while Erasmus took off for Sri Lanka, each for a total of six months.

Political agendas

Acho Dene Koe Chief Judy Kotchea got a resolution from the Deh Cho First Nations that stated interim self-government agreements will apply in Fort Liard at the Acho Dene Koe's discretion. As well, the Acho Dene Koe was granted "sole ownership, authority and jurisdiction over its territory during and after negotiations."

Deals signed

Deh Cho First Nations Grand Chief Michael Nadli, Minister of Indian Affairs Robert Nault and Jim Antoine, minister of Aboriginal Affairs for the territorial government, signed the interim measures agreement and the draft framework agreements, outlining environmental protection and self-government subject matters to be negotiated.

Hamlet no reprieve

The option of reverting to hamlet status would put the village of Fort Simpson in an even worse predicament than it faced with pending funding cuts, a senior financial advisor for municipal and community affairs informed village council. After reviewing the information provided, Mayor Tom Wilson agreed.

Space tomatoes

Students at Kakisa Lake school planted tomato seeds that were taken into orbit by Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau. The students observed how "space tomatoes" grew compared to regular tomato seeds and they found very little difference.

June

Fishery slashed

There was no summer commercial fishing on Tathlina Lake for the first time in many years as pickerel stocks dwindled. The cause of the decline, signified by the previous year's low catch, was unknown. Fishing continued on Kakisa Lake, while a study was to be conducted on Tathlina Lake.

Suit settled

Fort Simpson village council settled a $130,000 lawsuit with Clark Builders out of court. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed. Clark Builders was seeking recompense after it claimed a village tender for the recreation centre was unfairly awarded.

Home-care graduates

Nine Deh Cho women became the region's first home-care graduates after completing an 18-month intermittent education and training program. Home-care workers check blood pressure and blood sugar levels, monitor medications, help with grocery shopping and medical appointments and, most importantly, talk with clients about their general health.

Living healthy lives

Kakisa earned the NWT Recreation and Parks Association's Active Living Award. Julian Landry, who made a presentation on voluntarism, said his fellow community members have taken control of their lives by casting out alcohol and drugs and working towards community goals instead.

We aren't leaving

Fort Simpson businessmen Ted Grant and Chris Yarrow refused to shut down their in-town airstrip, as initially recommended by the territorial government's airport consultants. Grant and Yarrow said the government would have to buy out for millions of dollars, otherwise the issue could go to court.

Cutting ties

The Deh Cho withdrew its representatives -- Dennis Nelner and Doug Cardinal -- from the Aboriginal Pipeline Group (APG). The DCFN also decided to hire an independent consultant to review the APG's memorandum of understanding.

Gargan becomes chief

Sam Gargan defeated Berna Landry and Greg Nyuli to become chief of the Deh Gah Got'ie First Nation in Fort Providence. Gargan abandoned the remainder of his term as mayor to fulfil the role as chief.

More police

The Fort Liard RCMP detachment went from three officers to four in response to an increase in crime over the past few years. Mayor Joanne Deneron said she was pleased that another member was added to the detachment.

Pedalling to Inuvik

Fort Simpson resident Jeannine Gaulin and three friends were bound for Inuvik on bicycles, a journey of close to 2,700 kilometres. Travelling 60 to 70 kilometres per day, they expected to trip to take about five weeks.

July

Don't sign MOU

A consultant hired by the Deh Cho First Nations said the Aboriginal Pipeline Group's Memorandum of Understanding wasn't worthy of approval as it was written, but with some work it could become acceptable. DCFN chief negotiator Chris Reid warned that the MOU was very risky and could result in zero aboriginal ownership of a Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

MLAs split on Cuff

Nahendeh MLA Jim Antoine was critical of the Cuff Report, which called for centralized health services in the NWT.

If adopted, the Deh Cho Health and Social Services board may be disbanded, Antoine acknowledged. Michael McLeod, MLA for Deh Cho, saw merit in the report, however, as communities in his riding may gain more services and representation.

Protection compromise

The Deh Cho First Nations and Dogrib First Nations were working towards protecting the Horn Plateau to settle an outstanding land dispute between the two regions. Without development in the area, hunters and trappers on both sides would continue using the land for traditional practices.

Open Sky flies

The first Open Sky Arts Festival, held in Fort Simpson, was described as a success by organizers. Hundreds flocked to the Papal grounds for feasts, drum dances and Northern arts and crafts.

Round two

Deh Cho and federal negotiators began paving the way for the second phase of self-government negotiations on the Hay River Reserve. DCFN chief negotiator Chris Reid said the DCFN's objective was still to form the primary, public government in the region.

Melaw closes

With bills mounting, Melaw Child Care Centre, the community's only day care, closed its doors. Unreliable staff and unpaid fees from parents led to the day care's downfall, manager Troy Bellefontaine said. Meanwhile, the Liidlii Kue First Nation

was preparing to open its own day care.

Vandalism spree

A summer vandalism spree, thought to be the work of several youths, hit its zenith when $4,000 worth of damage was done to vehicle tires, windshields and windows during one night in Fort Simpson. RCMP Sgt. Bill Eubank said parents had to take control of their children.

More bodies needed

An official with the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) said the federal department was looking into getting a staff person with environmental monitoring experience into its Fort Simpson office. Liidlii Kue Chief Rita Cli said it was about time DIAND acted, as the office had practically been mothballed over time.

Seismic project scrapped

Arcis Corporation cancelled its planned $10-million summer seismic activity in Nahanni Butte. Peter Boyd, chief executive officer, said political uncertainty dissuaded oil and gas companies from purchasing seismic data.

August

Dene school

A proposal for a Dene school in the Deh Cho was something Fort Providence resident Joachim Bonnetrouge suggested would address the declining language skills in the region.

"If we're going to be serious, you're looking at big dollars," Bonnetrouge said.

Spiritual gathering

Residents, former residents and visitors from various Deh Cho communities converged on Wrigley for the 9th annual Pehdzeh Ki First Nation Spiritual Gathering. The event allowed people to renew acquaintances, socialize and confront addictions through workshops.

Pipeline money needed

Aboriginal groups would be able to raise $25 million of the $60 million they need for their share of the planning stage of a Mackenzie Valley pipeline, it was revealed at an Aboriginal Pipeline Group meeting in Fort Simpson. The remainder of the aboriginal's share would have to come from taxpayers, either in grants or guarantees.

Smooth road

The paving of a portion of Fort Simpson's main thoroughfare, 100 Street, was completed. The village spent $800,000 to pave 670 metres of road and to have curbs, gutters and sidewalks put in place.

Duck study

U.S. government biologist John Solberg and his dog, Tazzy, set up camp along the Horn River to tag ducks. The monitoring program was designed to determine why the number of ducks is on the decline.

Smokes for kids

Three of four retailers in Fort Simpson received warning letters from the RCMP and Health Canada after selling cigarettes to under-aged youth. Fifteen- and 16-year-old test shoppers were used in the compliance checks.

Seismic partnership

The Acho Dene Koe Group of Companies signed a memorandum of understanding to form a partnership with seismic company Western Geco. One aim was to allow First Nations members to achieve employment beyond basic slashing jobs, Shane Parrish said.

Fire crews help out

Fire crews from Fort Liard and Fort Simpson were deployed to Ontario to battle devastating forest fires. "It was pretty bad. It was windy and it was always hot," Fort Liard's Manny Vital said.

Blazing Sammy

Sam Timbre hung up the hose for the last time after 35 years as a seasonal firefighter in Fort Liard. Timbre got his start with the fire crew in 1966, working for $1.99 an hour.

Firefighting crisis

When only two firefighters responded to a warehouse fire in Fort Providence, the community immediately put out a call for more volunteers. In Wrigley, fire Chief Ed ten Brinke warned that a fire could easily result in a death with only four regular volunteers and the community's only fire truck in disrepair.

Deh Gah grads

The premier Deh Gah school graduating class was honoured and another former Deh Gah student, who graduated elsewhere, returned for the ceremony in Fort Providence. Principal Jane Arychuk, who taught three of the grads in Kindergarten, said it was a dream come true.

September

Rigid conditions

Deh Cho First Nations leaders passed a resolution at a special assembly in Wrigley demanding that the DCFN negotiate pipeline terms directly with the federal government. It also called for resource revenues to be negotiated with Canada, and consent from hunters and trappers for the pipeline.

Seeking permits

Making their case for land-use permits, Canadian Zinc Corporation executives hosted members of the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board and Environmental Impact Review Board at its Prairie Creek Mine site, 90 kilometres northwest of Nahanni Butte. Mine officials were hoping to get permission for a drilling program and to place a test plant on site.

Double distinction

Fort Simpson RCMP Sgt. Bill Eubank was named the University of Calgary's Distinguished Alumni. He also received the Order of St. John. Eubank has served 23 years with the RCMP and received a citation for bravery while serving a United Nations tour in Yugoslavia during the Balkans War.

Cleaning up military site

The Fort Providence Resource Management Board secured $126,000 in funding to begin the cleanup of a former military site near Axe Point, 60 kilometres down river from the community. Old tires, batteries, steel and fuel drums were buried in the area.

Boiling water in JMR

A boil water order was ordered in Jean Marie River after the community's reservoir was contaminated with dirty water. Excessive rain that washed soil and waste into the river was thought to be the cause of the unclean water.

Updating hunting rules

First Nations in Deh Cho were in favour of retaining a two-year residency requirement for hunting privileges, according to Jonas Antoine, a member of an aboriginal advisory group working to revise the Wildlife Act.

He said hunting and wilderness survival courses should be made mandatory and there should be no hunting along highway corridors.

Stranded in Simpson

Nine unwitting men and women from Alberta and B.C. arrived in Fort Simpson expecting to begin oil and gas camp jobs, only to find out they had been duped.

A man in Grande Prairie promised them jobs and tried to get money from some of them up front. The Grande Prairie RCMP were investigating.

Hit the road, toll

Fort Simpson residents at a public meeting spoke unanimously in opposition to the territorial government's proposed highway toll.

Many people contended that prices of goods and services would climb beyond what the government was proposing to reimburse residents. The government later backed away from the toll.

Mad over lost bid

Shane Parrish, chief executive officer of the Acho Dene Koe Group of Companies, was angry that one of the band's companies was not awarded a camps and catering contract with CanTung mine.

North American Tungsten president Udo von Doehren said the band's bid wasn't competitive.

However, he said his company was doing all it could to work with First Nations in the NWT.

Terrorist impact

Teachers and counsellors in Deh Cho schools did their best to reassure students following terrorist attacks on the United States. Assemblies were held in most schools and students were also encouraged to seek out a teacher or adult if they needed to talk.

Financial gloom

Financial officials from municipal and community affairs returned to Fort Simpson to review the budgetary situation in the face of pending funding cuts.

As it stood, the village was in line for a $1.3-million deficit in 2002 and an additional $1.6-million deficit in 2003.

Difficult and unpopular decisions would have to be made if the GNWT couldn't be persuaded to forsake the cuts, village council agreed.

October

Helicopter crash

Phil Spano, a 49-year-old pilot from Casper, Wyoming, was killed when the South Nahanni Outfitters helicopter he was flying crashed into a ditch alongside the highway in Fort Simpson. The landing pad was only a few hundred metres away. His passenger survived. An investigation pointed to problems with the helicopter's fuel gauge and fuel tanks.

Pipeline supporters

The Acho Dene Koe First Nation in Fort Liard signed the Aboriginal Pipeline Group's memorandum of understanding.

Chief Judy Kotchea said her people still support the Deh Cho Process but they also want long-term benefits from the pipeline.

Government listens

Lorne Tricoteux, of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, told Deh Cho leaders at a Fort Providence assembly that the federal government is willing to meet with them to discuss concerns surrounding a Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

Economic corporation

Delegates from Deh Cho communities met in Fort Simpson to devise a Deh Cho Economic Corporation. The corporation would negotiate potential business deals and identify partnerships and investments -- such as retail stores, hotels and airlines -- for Deh Cho aboriginal leaders.

No Dam

At a public meeting, Finance and Economic Development Minister Joe Handley told Fort Simpson residents that the territorial government is not trying to force any hydro projects on any region.

He said the government is willing to work with First Nations on hydro projects of their choosing, if any. Herb Norwegian said a dam on the Mackenzie River would result in catastrophic flooding in parts of the Deh Cho.

Deh Cho mourns

A plane crash just outside of Fort Liard killed elder Daniel Lomen, band manager Sally Bertrand and Beaver Enterprises employee Sean Toner. Elder Stanley Bertrand, Acho Dene Koe Coun. Kim Deneron and pilot Brad Hager survived the ordeal. Rescuers couldn't reach them for several hours due to heavy clouds and blowing snow.

Simpson ready to back APG

Liidlii Kue Chief Rita Cli said a survey of her membership gave her a mandate to support the Aboriginal Pipeline Group's memorandum of understanding. Cli said global changes due to the terrorist attack on the U.S. and the need for jobs were also factors in her council's decision.

Lawsuit served

Camillus Engineering Consultants Ltd. (CECL) filed a lawsuit seeking in excess of $2.1 million against the Village of Fort Simpson, its former mayor and senior staff and the Commissioner of the NWT. CECL was claiming lost business, profit and credit as well as legal fees and other damages.

Mirror image

A 12-member Russian delegation visited Fort Simpson as part of an economic development tour of the NWT. Delegate Anatoly Raishev said he was astounded by the similarities between Fort Simpson and his home town of Tugiyane, a small Russian aboriginal community.

November

Water flows in JMR

After months of having water trucked in from Fort Simpson, residents in Jean Marie River were once again able to drink the water from their own reservoir. The huge basin had to be purged, cleaned and repaired after contaminated water had got inside.

Playing politics

Deh Cho MLA Michael McLeod said some MLAs were threatened by members of their constituencies to support Premier Stephen Kakfwi in a confidence vote. McLeod said the premier's office solicited support from various communities prior to the vote.

Boxing club a hit

Twenty-two Fort Liard youths showed up when Brent Lackie held an introductory boxing training session in the community. Lackie, who rejuvenated the Fort Smith Boxing Club, said he hoped to retain a solid corps of boxers in Fort Liard.

Nurse please

New Pehdzeh Ki First Nation Chief Percy Hardisty renewed the demand for a permanent nurse for Wrigley. Kathy Tsetso, chief executive officer for Deh Cho Health and Social Services, said that demand couldn't be met because recruitment of nurses is a major challenge.

She noted that three full-time positions in Fort Liard were vacant.

Busier winter

Expecting to bounce back from a slow winter last year, human resources personnel from Beaver Enterprises visited Deh Cho communities to build their workforce database. Shane Parrish said the Acho Dene Koe have formed partnerships with First Nations in Alberta and B.C. because the NWT's regulatory regime makes projects tenuous here.

Half of royalties

The Deh Cho First Nations said they want to split pipeline royalties equally with the federal government. Chris Reid, chief negotiator for the DCFN, said that arrangement would apply to all development.

What now?

After four workshops designed to create a community vision in Fort Simpson, the 10 participants who attended the final session wanted to know how their goals could be achieved and if the political will existed to support them. The workshops were sponsored by Tri-council, but the funding came from the federal and territorial government.

Firefighters respond

Nine volunteers bolstered the ranks of the depleted Fort Providence Fire Department, bringing the total number of volunteers to 11. Kelvin McLeod, who took over as fire chief, was happy residents responded to the plea for assistance, but hoped for a few more helping hands.

Second thoughts

The Liidlii Kue First Nation decided to hire its own independent consultant to review the Aboriginal Pipeline Group's pipeline proposal as well as the proposal by Arctigas Resources Corporation, Chief Rita Cli said. If favourable, the LKFN would then endorse the strongest proposal, she said.

Wanted, more cops

Deh Cho MLA Michael McLeod called for an increased police presence in Fort Providence and more resources devoted to RCMP across the NWT. Jim Antoine, then minister of Justice, said there was no new funding available for policing.

Leadership attacked

A petition allegedly signed by more than 100 people in Fort Liard called for Chief Judy Kotchea, sub-chief Jim Duntra and Coun. Philip Betthale to resign. An anonymous source said there was too much disparity between the wealthy and the poor in Fort Liard. Kotchea called upon the supporters of the petition to state their concerns at public meetings.

December

Education grievance

Fort Simpson District Education Authority members, parents and teachers complained to Education Minister Jake Ootes about large classroom sizes, the inclusive schooling policy and a lack of French programming at a public meeting. Ootes said his department is making headway on these issues, but he couldn't promise to address Fort Simpson's concerns in particular.

Chamber takes on gas

Duncan Canvin, president of the Fort Simpson Chamber of Commerce, said gasoline prices in the community weren't dropping in accordance with world oil prices. An Esso spokesperson argued that wholesale prices had indeed been falling relative to world prices. Local agents said it can take weeks to exhaust their old supplies, sometimes purchased at an earlier, higher price.

Postal problems

The Fort Simpson Chamber of Commerce and Village Council wrote letters of complaint to Canada Post over first-class mail allegedly being delivered days late by contractor First Air. Dave Craig, of Canada Post, said First Air has been meeting the terms of its contract. He suggested that residents may be expecting daily delivery, but the airline is only required to transport mail every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Crime lull

RCMP Sgt. Bill Eubank told Fort Simpson Village Council that the RCMP were averaging only two complaints per day since summer. Eubank attributed the low crime rate to having several of the community's more "notorious" criminals in jail, having students back in school and the effectiveness of the justice committee.

Cameron Hills waits

Paramount Resources Ltd. president Clay Riddell said it was unlikely his company would proceed with drilling and pipelining in the Cameron Hills this winter due to the conditions in a Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board decision following an environmental assessment. Several of the review board's recommendations dealt with amending Paramount's benefits and compensation plans with affected communities. Kakisa Chief Lloyd Chicot said the Ka'a'gee Tu First Nation would continue to oppose development until Paramount "had something firm on the table that addressed our concerns."

Heritage site?

Fort Simpson's Papal grounds were under consideration as a national heritage site by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board in Ottawa. The Papal grounds were the site of Pope John Paul II's visit in 1987 and a gathering area for First Nations people for centuries.

Gammon steals the show

Paul Gammon, elected a Fort Simpson village councillor in a December byelection, demanded council stop holding in-camera meetings.