Former chief puts Tlicho government in hot seat

The Tlicho government was roundly criticized Thursday by its former grand chief and his supporters, who listed a series of complaints about how the two-year-old aboriginal government has been performing.

In a fiery speech during the Tlicho's half-day session assembly in Behchoko, N.W.T., Joe Rabesca accused the government's 13 members of paying themselves too much, holding too many closed meetings, hiring family members for jobs in the region's four communities and not involving elders in decision-making.

"One thing for sure, they're not listening, OK?" Rabesca told CBC News on Thursday. "They do exactly what they want. In their meetings, there's issues and concerns that we might have, and then we want to talk to them but we're not allowed."

Rabesca served as grand chief of the Tlicho, formerly known as the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council, leading the Dogrib people through years of negotiations toward a self-government and land-claim agreement with Ottawa in 2005.

That same year, Rabesca chose not to seek re-election and was succeeded by current Grand Chief George Mackenzie.

At Thursday's assembly, Rabesca said others shared his concerns and Tlicho members in attendance appeared to agree, clapping and cheering after his address.

Mackenzie responded by acknowledging the young government has had growing pains but said it abides by its constitution, is keeping within its budget and has made achievements that speak for themselves.

He defended his paycheque, saying it is in line with those of other First Nations leaders. All Tlicho employees are hired by committee, he said, adding that his door is always open to people with concerns.

Mackenzie said he respects Rabesca but was taken aback by the degree of criticism the former grand chief levelled at him and his government.

"We asked each other, 'What did we do that was so drastically wrong?' We need to find it," he said.

"We can't pinpoint anything that we've done drastically wrong but we've been criticized huge today."