Chiefs demand Tlicho grand chief's resignation

Three of the four Tlicho aboriginal chiefs in the Northwest Territories have demanded George Mackenzie step down as Tlicho grand chief.

Chief Leon Lafferty of Behchoko, Chief Charlie Nitsiza of Whati and Chief Henry Gon of Gameti have presented a joint letter to Mackenzie stating they have lost confidence in his leadership.

Lafferty told CBC News that under Mackenzie who was elected when the Tlicho formed their own government in 2005 theFirst Nation has moved toofar behind in implementing their land claim agreement, as well as in dealing with issues such as caribou management.

"You know what's going to happen? If we carry him for another two years, he's going to be back. And he's going to burden the next government for another four years," Lafferty said Wednesday.

"We can't do that. We need a leader, a person that can lead. Somebody that has experience."

The chiefs also accused Mackenzie of not supporting their decisions andTlicho policy.

"It seems like he's getting involved with people he knows," Gonsaid Tuesday.

"Only the people he knows, he's communicating with, and it seems to us like he's dividing the people."

The three chiefs also said Mackenzie has not given them the support they need to keep Tlicho citizens united.

"I really want people to work together and work together to implement this agreement. That's all we ask for, is let's work together," Nitsiza said.

The Tlicho First Nation serves a population of about 3,000 in the communities of Behchoko, Gameti, Wekweeti and Whati in central Northwest Territories.

Formerly known as the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council, it signed a land claim and self-government agreement in 2003. That agreement took effect in 2005, creating the Tlicho government.

Mackenziewas electedgrand chief in 2005, winning more than 50 per cent of the vote. The Tlicho government constitution does not allow the chiefs to force the grand chief to step down. But Lafferty said if Mackenzie does not resign, he will raise the issue at a Tlicho assembly in Whati early next month.

Wekweeti Chief Charlie Football, whodid not sign the letter, said he doesn't want Mackenzie to resign.

Mackenzie declined to comment on the matter Wednesday.