Inuvik (Aug 11/03) - The Mackenzie Valley Pipeline producer's group is concluding discussions on benefits and access agreements while the chief of the Inuvik Native Band says his people are getting ready to take advantage of opportunities coming their way.

In the run up to their regulatory filing, expected in 2004, the producers' group is looking to gather as complete an understanding of the project as possible.

"The timing of the filing will also be part of the benefits and access agreements; it's part of the whole community-by-community process," said spokesperson for the Mackenzie Delta Producers Group Hart Searle.

"Some of those topics include specifications for training, payments for accessing land and job opportunities.

"We have to have those agreements in place prior to filing," said Searle.

Chief James Firth of the Inuvik First Nation said he was working to make sure local Gwich'in and Inuvialuit companies know how to qualify for the coming opportunities.

"We have to do our homework and use the tools we have available and make sure when industry comes we're available," said Firth.

At the same time, Firth added it's time industry began to understand how to operate under the land claim.

In the past industry has been able to do what it wants but "that's not the way it is any more," said Firth.

"Most want the pipeline but they also want our land, our animals and our environment to still be there even after the project is complete," said Firth.

Kolt-KBR is the primary contractor for the producers' group.

This winter Kolt will undertake engineering work, look for gravel, determine the best possible route for the pipeline and complete environmental work for stream crossings as well as undertaking fish and bird studies, said Firth.