Fort Simpson (Sep 03/04) - First Nations are planning to hire consultation staff to go door-to-door and discuss the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline project.

The decision was made last week at a Deh Cho Pipeline Working Group meeting in Fort Simpson, according to Chief Keyna Norwegian.

"We realize that our membership aren't even aware of the issues regarding the pipeline: what it's all about, what it's going to do to us, (how) are we going to benefit from it," Norwegian said.

As well, she noted that aboriginal political leaders are analyzing models for impact benefits agreements with industry that may be adopted or modified in the Deh Cho.

Pehdzeh Ki Chief Tim Lennie is holding firm to his position that Wrigley requires additional financial and human resources to adequately respond to the technical aspects of a proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

"I've been telling government and industry that they're actually imposing the project on Wrigley," Lennie said.