Yellowknife (Sep 01/04) - The Mackenzie Gas Project and the future of the Dene Nation dominated opening day discussions at the lobby group's annual assembly.

About 200 elders, chiefs and councillors sheltered from the cold rain under a giant white tent as leaders from up and down the Mackenzie spoke of issues stoked by the $7 billion project.

"The pipeline is taking a lot of time and energy from important issues that need attention and resources," said Keyna Norwegian.

The Liidlii Kue First Nation chief again raised the threat of a court injunction because the Dehcho First Nations were not allowed to choose a member of the pipeline review panel.

Talk of the pipeline almost drowned out national chief Noeline Villebrun's warning of the precarious state of the Dene Nation.

The group is looking for a one-time $200,000 cash infusion from the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, to support its role as "a national advocacy office," Villebrun said.

Villebrun suggested that Bill Erasmus could ease the cash crunch by sharing office space with the Dene Nation.

Erasmus, Assembly of First Nations regional vice-president, accused Villebrun of changing the locks on his office door and forcing him to move.

The dispute prompted some delegates to suggest replacing Villebrun and Erasmus if they could not settle their differences.

Despite the Dene Nation's uncertain future, the annual assembly still has the power to draw the Territories' top political leaders.

Western Arctic MP Ethel Blondin Andrew, Premier Joe Handley and Yellowknife Mayor Gord Van Tighem spoke at the opening of the gathering on the banks of the Yellowknife River.

Blondin-Andrew, minister of state for Northern development, said she would return in September with Indian Affairs Minister Andy Scott to meet with premiers across the North.

Northern tour

"This is an important time in the history of the North; we have to find a way to share resources so that all are satisfied," Blondin-Andrew said.

Northern leaders see the Mackenzie Gas Project as a way to lever resource revenues from Ottawa, hasten land claims settlements and self-government. But not all agree on the best way to benefit.

Premier Handley said the Aboriginal Pipeline Group is a significant step for First Nations in taking advantage of the natural gas pipeline.

Gwich'in region vice-chief Chief Charlie Furlong, and Sahtu Grand Chief Frank Andrew are committed to the Aboriginal Pipeline Group.

But Fort Good Hope Chief Ron Pierrot was able to get the alternative K'asho Gotine resolution on the assembly agenda.

He said Fort Good Hope is not interested in pipeline ownership, but wants to negotiate an access and benefits agreement before the project starts.

"We're not advocating this for others, but Fort Good Hope wants the assembly's support for the will of the people," he said.