Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 17/01) - Celebrations were dampened Tuesday as three people died in a plane crash while flying to Fort Liard from a pipeline agreement signing ceremony in Yellowknife.

Despite the tragedy, the message that Inuvialuit, Dene and Metis must embrace the pipeline if they want to prosper still rings strong after the elaborate ceremony Monday.

The ceremony cemented a relationship they hope will spawn a pipeline through the Mackenzie Valley.

"We can no longer make a living off the land," said Fred Carmichael, president of the Gwich'in Tribal Council, in a short speech during the ceremony held in the small Ndilo community gymnasium. "We have to ensure there is a future for our children," said Carmichael.

With Ndilo drummers opening the ceremony and elementary school children from Done Necha-Lia Gha Enitl'e Ko sitting in the front row, the Aboriginal Pipeline Group (APG) and four of North America's largest oil and gas companies signed an agreement to work together on the pipeline.

A good chunk of the territory's cabinet showed up for the ceremony, along with Premier Stephen Kakfwi from Ottawa via telephone.

The Mackenzie Valley pipeline would run gas from the Beaufort Delta, down the Mackenzie Valley to Alberta and southern markets.

Despite the pomp and circumstance, K.C. Williams, senior vice-president for Imperial Oil and spokesperson for the producer's group, played down the importance of the agreement.

"It is very important that this not be seen as a decision to build a pipeline," said Williams. "This agreement only outlines there are things we're willing to work together (on)."

But that wasn't the message repeatedly delivered during the ceremony from the various players and dignitaries.

"We believe a pipeline needs to be up and running as soon as possible," said Nellie Cournoyea, chair of the APG.

"(This) signals our capacity to work in the economy of the 21st century. Today our involvement is one step closer to ensuring the future of our children," said Carmichael.

"This is a historical occasion," said Joe Handley, finance minister for the territory. "This is the largest single project partly owned by aboriginals."

"The NWT has an incredible future and we are certain to make life better for ourselves," said Kakfwi.

Through the glowing words the Deh Cho region's continuing hold-out was not forgotten.

The Deh Cho won't sign until the pipeline becomes part of their land claim process.

The Deh Cho's support base is slowly eroding with the recent defection of Fort Liard and a wavering Fort Simpson.

Both the APG and the oil and gas producers said they would leave room for the Deh Cho but wouldn't stop for them.

"It's in their ball-park," said Williams. "That's an area that needs the opportunity."

"We have a lot of support with the Deh Cho," said Cournoyea. "We're committed to continuing the dialogue."

Chris Reid, chief negotiator for the Deh Cho First Nations, said the recent agreement does not change anything for them. Reid said the leadership wants the pipeline to be included in their process and alternative partnerships are being explored. Arctic Resources Company is one option, said Reid.

The APG will now work with Imperial Oil, Conoco Canada Ltd., Shell Canada Ltd., and Exxon Mobile Canada to legalize the agreement.

Williams said the next step will cost around $200 million.

The APG will hold a one-third stake in the $3-billion project, Imperial and the three other producers the rest.

The APG is looking to Ottawa for help in funding their $1 billion share.

Recent reports quoted Department Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Robert Nault as saying money would not come from his department.