I had an opportunity to sit down with the former president of the Gwich’in Tribal Council with regard to an individual from Dowland. In those discussions they talked about formulating a joint venture to take advantage of this $100 million project, yet it seems like there’s been a crossing of the minds under new leadership. They’re saying that’s no longer on the table.
I’d like to ask the Minister: exactly how can you go forward approving an agreement knowing there were letters in which the intent was to formulate these partnerships? Then after you issue the contract, they basically neglect those letters of support in order to go forward on these contracts. What is the avenue in regard to ensuring that there is that weight for local and northern involvement in these types of contractual arrangements?