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[source: Sovernet-l; Fri, 28 Jan 2000 21:39:22]

Native leaders support billion dollar pipeline
WebPosted Fri Jan 28 23:51:42 2000

YELLOWKNIFE - Dene and Inuvialuit leaders in the Northwest
Territories have ended their 25-year opposition to a billion dollar
pipeline project. The announcement came after a two-day meeting
of aboriginal leaders, business people, youth and elders in Fort
Liard.

It's the first time all of the aboriginal groups in the territory have
met to talk about oil and gas since the Berger Inquiry. In the 1970s,
aboriginal groups gathered to tell industry and government not to
develop a pipeline on aboriginal land.

Richard Nerysoo of the Gwich'in Tribal Council was among the
aboriginal leaders who rejected a proposal to bring a pipeline
through the Mackenzie Valley. Nerysoo had said that a pipeline
would have a detrimental impact on the people and land. Now, he
has changed his mind.

"The reality is that, what we see in the north, is a need for aboriginal
leadership, and the communities to understand the importance of
taking advantage of not simply jobs, but business opportunities,"
says Nerysoo.

Dennie Lennie of the Inuvialuit Development Corporation says a lot
has changed. "Now people are prepared, and pro-active in seeing
development in our region, so we're ready to move ahead," says
Lennie.
 

Harvie Andre

Harvie Andre of Calgary-based Arcticgas Resources Corporation
urged native leaders to back the pipeline project. Andre told them
they would be equity owners in the project and their backing would
make financing more economical.

The message struck home and native leaders agreed to the deal on
Wednesday. Now, aboriginal leaders have decided to form a business
relationship to maximize any benefits from the construction of a pipeline.
They say they're not sure exactly how it will work, but details will be
worked out over time.
 

Fort Liard Chief Harry Deneron

Fort Liard Chief Harry Deneron says what's important is that all the
regions agree that they will initiate the pipeline and stay in control of
its development. "We have many ways that we can participate, but
the bottom line is that we want some ownership in the pipeline," says
Deneron.

Leaders say the next step is to organize a working group. The regions
will select representatives over the next month and be ready to meet
with government and industry when the federal Northern Development
Minister visits in the spring.

The territorial government supports the deal but the question of who
should control the resources and receive royalties still remains a
contentious issue among the federal, territorial and aboriginal
governments.

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