Fort Simpson (Sep 24/04) - Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche is calling on industry and government to negotiate pipeline access and benefits agreements with the Dehcho First Nations.

In a press release issued Monday, Menicoche states that a Mackenzie Valley pipeline must provide long-term direct benefits to people in the Deh Cho.

Because the pipeline will significantly change First Nations' traditional ways of life -- including their ability to hunt and trap free of obstacles, according to Menicoche -- he's advocating that benefits must include access fees, infringement compensation and economic and social development funds.

"The bottom line is that people in the Deh Cho should not end up with anything less than other claimant groups in the NWT are getting," he stated.

Hart Searle, spokesperson for Imperial Oil, said the Mackenzie Gas Project has been trying to meet with Dehcho First Nations (DFN) to discuss access and benefits agreements.

"That's a long-standing offer that remains open. It's not for lack of trying," Searle said, adding that such talks are already taking place with the Inuvialuit and the Gwich'in.

Keyna Norwegian, chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nations, said she is only aware of Imperial Oil's attempts to meet with the DFN to complete preparatory work to file applications for the pipeline, not to discuss benefits.

"More or less, every time they need information from us, that's the only time we hear from them," Norwegian said. "Our doors will be open for them if they want to talk access and benefits, sure."

Norwegian qualified that remark by adding that DFN must work through some issues with the federal government before it can settle anything with industry. However, industry could exert its "pull" in Ottawa to facilitate the process, she suggested.

Federal negotiator Robin Aitken didn't return the Drum's phone call prior to press time.

Within the past three weeks, Dehcho First Nations has filed two court actions against the federal government and the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board.

The DFN is seeking two seats on the seven-member pipeline review panel, but was only granted one representative, who was named on its behalf by the Review Board. Until its demands are met, the DFN is asking the courts to halt the panel and prevent any pipeline hearings from being held.

The federal government has yet to formally respond to the DFN's court action. However, Keyna Norwegian said meetings between Grand Chief Herb Norwegian and federal ministers are being arranged.