Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Dec 19/05) - Some Deh Cho communities are trying to prevent other NWT aboriginal bodies from being granted intervenor status in the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline project.

Because the Inuvialuit, Gwich'in and a few other groups are proponents with ownership stakes in the pipeline, they shouldn't be entitled to any additional say in the National Energy Board's hearings next year, according to Keyna Norwegian, president of the Dehgah Alliance Society, which represents Fort Simpson, Wrigley, Jean Marie River and Kakisa.

"From day one the Deh Cho's been saying that there's something wrong with the process," Norwegian said.

Although the intervenors have until today (Monday) to respond, Nellie Cournoyea, CEO of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, wasn't prepared to comment on Friday.

"I have no time to reply to things like that," said Cournoyea. "I haven't read it. I don't know what they're talking about. The little bit I heard. I haven't got time for that."

Fred Carmichael, president of the Gwich'in Tribal Council, was travelling Friday and couldn't be reached for comment.

Norwegian said the Deh Cho, which has so far refused any ownership in the pipeline, does not have anything against the other regions.

"We tried working with them, we tried having a united front, but unfortunately with the recent signing of all the access and benefits agreements (in Sahtu communities), we realize that again the Deh Cho is being left behind," she said.

However, Norwegian added that a meeting between Imperial Oil and the Dehgah Alliance Society in Yellowknife last week was "promising."

The National Energy Board is expected to make a ruling on the Dehgah Alliance Society's position later this week.