Ottawa (Oct 25/04) - Being an equal partner in a joint review panel for a Mackenzie Valley natural gas pipeline -- whether that means one seat or two -- would satisfy Dehcho First Nations, according to Grand Chief Herb Norwegian.

"It's either one or else two (seats). What is a must is to actually be a signatory to the panel," said Norwegian.

He met with federal officials and industry representatives in Ottawa last week, but the lawyers continue to do most of the talking, he said.

Through existing legislation, Dehcho First Nations (DFN) cannot be a signatory to the panel because it's an unsettled land claim region.

DFN filed two lawsuits against the federal government in September to halt the joint review panel and any pipeline hearings it plans to hold.

Initially, DFN demanded two of the seven seats on the body, as nearly 40 per cent of the pipeline will cross Deh Cho territory.

Federal negotiator Robin Aitken said the court action changes the complexion of negotiations.

The two sides are now trying to determine whether there's any common ground, he said.

Earlier this month, Deh Cho leaders were confronted by their counterparts from the Inuvialuit, Gwich'in and Sahtu.

The northern regions of the NWT have settled land claims and are fully supportive of the pipeline, Norwegian acknowledged.

"Northerners definitely want this pipeline and we're doing everything we can to cater to their needs," Norwegian said.

Yet he wouldn't guarantee that being a signatory to the panel will result in the withdrawal of the lawsuits.

There will probably be a "shopping list of things that will be attached to it," he said

"You can compromise on strategy but you can't compromise on principle."