Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Liard (Jan 31/00) - Aboriginal leaders from around the NWT are ready to talk about a Mackenzie Valley pipeline, but they want it to be built on their terms.

"Because we have initiated the process from this side ... we want to be equal partners," Tsiigehtchic Chief Grace Blake said in Fort Liard. She was among dozens of aboriginal leaders who gathered for a two-day conference on the pipeline.

"We invite business, industry and government to come to us, but on our terms, which is a different way of doing business than in the past."

Fort Liard Chief Harry Deneron, who initiated the meeting, was named chair of a working group that will include a delegate from each region of the NWT. The working group will have to sort out issues such as the percentage of ownership they will demand, how the revenue is to be divided, a time-line for building the pipeline and the route it will take, according to Deneron, who alluded to possible pipeline tie-ins from the Yukon and Alaska.

Future meetings will involve representatives of industry and government, whose input was only welcomed after the conclusion of last week's conference. The challenge will be to keep the aboriginal peoples' agenda from becoming secondary to that of industry and government, Deneron acknowledged.

"We have many tools. We've got to believe that we have to own the pipeline for our children tomorrow," he said. "We've got to create jobs for many young people in the communities."

The pipeline, as Dogrib Chief Joe Rabesca noted, could generate billions of dollars in revenue. TransCanada PipeLines and Arctic Resources are among the companies which have recently expressed interest in a Mackenzie Valley natural gas pipeline.

During the Berger Inquiry in the 1970s, the atmosphere was much different and aboriginal groups weren't prepared for the pipeline, said Dennie Lennie, chair of the Inuvialuit Development Corporation. With several land claims now settled and others being negotiated, the time has come to take charge, he suggested.

"We are ready for a pipeline. We're prepared --we're ready to move ahead," Lennie said confidently.

Blake added, "It has taken this long for people to say, 'We are going to be investors in this project.' I think people are ready. They're tired of being stuck. They're tired of other people calling the shots. When we're looking at a partnership, it's a win-win."

Michael Nadli, grand chief of the Deh Cho First Nations, a region without a land claim, reminded the delegates that self-government negotiations in the Deh Cho are still in their infancy.

"We look to you to support us, to lobby the governments to realize that they have to recognize the Deh Cho proposal and the Deh Cho process," he said. "Our participation will be dependent on that, how much progress we make."

When asked whether a highway could be built in conjunction with a Mackenzie Valley pipeline, Deneron grinned and replied, "That blueprint can be designed next, I guess. I can see that so clearly in the picture ... if we're going to build this pipeline, it's going to open many avenues into non-renewable resources. (A highway) makes sense."

Richard Lafferty, general manager of the Metis Development Corporation Board, said all aboriginal peoples stand to benefit from the pipeline.

"I've talked with most of the leaders up and down the valley, even prior to this meeting, and had nothing but a good solid response that they're prepared to work with the Metis," he said. "Certainly the commitment is there to build a pipeline ... I'm excited about it. I think the time is right."

Senator Nick Sibbeston applauded the motion. It will bring an end to the "old era" when aboriginal peoples were not in control of their economic future, he said.

"In my view, you have launched yourself right to the forefront. You're into the big times now," he said. "I will support you. I will be very pleased to stand up in the Senate and say that the aboriginal peoples of the North have made this motion, and have done it in the hopes of gaining for themselves a better future than they had."

Jim Antoine, minister of Aboriginal Affairs, was appointed by Premier Stephen Kakfwi to take the lead on pipeline negotiations for the GNWT. Antoine said he's comfortable with the role, but admitted there is plenty of discussion to be had regarding the sharing of resources as they are devolved to local governments.

"We don't know how it's going to be. It's something that we have to work out," he said. "That is, I think, an important agenda item for an intergovernmental forum."

Bob Overvold, regional director general for DIAND, was present but declined an offer to address the delegates.

Delegates have yet to be selected from all regions but a meeting may take place before DIAND Minister Robert Nault visits in March.