Fort Simpson (Sep 27/04) - It's time to negotiate pipeline access and benefits agreements between the Dehcho First Nations, government and industry, says Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche.

In a press release issued last Monday, Menicoche said a Mackenzie Valley pipeline must provide long-term direct benefits to people in the Deh Cho.

The pipeline will significantly change First Nations' traditional ways of life, including their ability to hunt and trap free of obstacles, says Menicoche.

He says that's why he's advocating that benefits must include access fees, infringement compensation and economic and social development funds.

"The bottom line is that people in the Deh Cho should not end up with anything less than other claimant groups in the NWT," he stated.

Hart Searle, spokesperson for Imperial Oil, said the Mackenzie Gas Project has been trying to meet with Dehcho First Nations (DFN) to discuss access and benefits agreements.

"That's a long-standing offer that remains open. It's not for lack of trying," Searle said, adding that such talks are already taking place with the Inuvialuit and the Gwich'in.

Keyna Norwegian, chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nations, said she is only aware of Imperial Oil's attempts to meet with the DFN to complete preparatory work to file applications for the pipeline, not to discuss benefits.

"More or less, every time they need information from us, that's the only time we hear from them," Norwegian said. "Our doors will be open for them if they want to talk access and benefits, sure."

Norwegian qualified her remark by adding that DFN must work through some issues with the federal government before it can settle anything with industry. However, industry could exert its "pull" in Ottawa to facilitate the process, she said.

Federal negotiator Robin Aitken didn't return phone calls from News North prior to press time.

Within the past three weeks, DFN has filed court actions against the federal government and the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board.

The DFN was seeking two seats on the seven-member pipeline review panel, but was only granted one representative, who was named on its behalf by the Review Board. The DFN is asking the courts to halt the panel and prevent any pipeline hearings from being held.