Yellowknife (Aug 14/06) - Dehcho First Nations could still join the Aboriginal Pipeline Group and endorse the proposed Mackenzie gas project if it gets to see confidential documents and the federal government agrees to take steps to resolve uncertainty over control of land in the region.

After a leadership meeting in Fort Simpson Aug. 9-10 the Dehcho First Nations (DFN) said it will discuss the pipeline deal again after being allowed to see confidential agreements it has tried to get access to for some time.

As well, DFN leaders said the federal government has to implement the draft Dehcho land use plan, agree to an outline of an agreement over land jurisdiction, and a timeline to reach agreement on who will government resources in the region.

APG chair Fred Carmichael addressed the leaders on Aug. 9, saying the deal has already been subjected to two independent reviews by the Deh Cho Economic Corporation and one by the Dehgah Alliance Society. The deal has also been reviewed by the Inuvialuit, Gwich'in, Sahtu and the governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories.

"I think that should give you some comfort," said Carmichael.

"I think you all want a pipeline or some kind of industry so you can make jobs for your people."

The APG respects that the Deh Cho is still working on their land claims, but a way forward could be found, he said.

"We're not here to twist your arm and make you take it because (the pipeline) is going to happen with or without you," said Carmichael.

Doug Cardinal, the director of the APG, said the requested business documents will be made available to interested bands as long as they comply with a confidentiality agreement.

Although many leaders commented that they still need more information on the deal some are ready to move forward.

Chief Keyna Norwegian of the Liidlii Kue First Nation told the leaders that she sent a letter to the APG expressing interest in her band's share of the pipeline ownership. As long as the agreement doesn't infringe on the Dehcho Process, access and benefits negotiations and treaty rights, Liidlii Kue will be moving forward towards an agreement, said Norwegian.

Grand Chief Herb Norwegian cautioned communities about making individual decisions to join the pipeline group.

"If you are going to go for the pipeline, you might as well sell out and give your land up because that, in fact, is what is happening as we speak," said Norwegian.

Canada knows the pipeline deal is connected with the federal offer of land selection and it is putting out bait, said Herb Norwegian.

A leadership meeting has been tentatively scheduled for Sept. 18 to revisit the APG deal.