Fort Simpson (Sep 03/04) - The Dehcho First Nations is taking legal action to halt a panel created to review plans for a Mackenzie Valley natural gas pipeline.

Seeking greater representation on the panel, the Dehcho filed a statement of claim in NWT Supreme Court on Aug. 2.

Grand Chief Herb Norwegian said all means of negotiation for two Dehcho seats on the seven-member panel had been exhausted. Dehcho representation is currently limited to one seat, which is to be filled by Percy Hardisty.

The Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board appointed Hardisty on the Dehcho's behalf. The Inuvialuit were able to name two panel members, however.

Roland Semjanovs, communications officer with the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, said the board was working within existing legislation -- which currently prohibits direct Dehcho appointments to the panel.

"If (the Dehcho's legal challenge) proceeds, then once we have a good look at the material and the arguments, we'll decide what to do with it," Semjanovs said.

Norwegian met with NWT chiefs at the Dene Assembly, Wednesday.

"We've got full support from the Dene National Assembly," he said.

"There will be no pipeline across Dehcho land without Dehcho consent. That's the bottom line."