Yellowknife (Mar 06/06) - Chiefs and aboriginal leaders from all over the NWT gathered in Ndilo to voice their concerns regarding the proposed Mackenzie Valley Pipeline.

There were backlashes about the impacts of the pipeline.

From left, Assembly of First Nations meeting chairperson Bill Erasmus, co-chair Francois Paulette and Randy Ottenbreidt listen to concerns from aboriginal chiefs during the regional meeting on Thursday afternoon. Ottenbreidt was representing Imperial Oil and fielded concerns about the proposed pipeline. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

"You are coming into my backyard, so pay me for using our land," exclaimed Fort Simpson chief Keyna Norwegian.

Norwegian spoke out against Randy Ottenbreidt of Imperial Oil, who was invited to the meeting to present the facts about the proposed pipeline.

"What the Dene people have been offered is an insult," added Norwegian.

Ottenbreidt stated that he was only attending the meeting to provide needed information to the chiefs on progress of the project.

"I am not here to negotiate access and benefit agreements," said Ottenbreidt.

"You can't walk over us anymore," said Norwegian. "We are the ones who have to live here when you dry up our land."

Ottenbreidt responded that the Environmental Impact Statement compiled in 2005 shows that minimal damage would be done to the surrounding land.

"The construction will be done in a responsible manner," said Ottenbreidt.

The impact statement shows that input from aboriginal people has been used through public meetings and traditional knowledge.

Ottenbreidt reminded Norwegian that concerns like hers should be brought to the proper authorities.

"Bring those concerns to the Joint Review Panel," said Ottenbreidt. "That discussion does not belong at this forum."

Host Chief Peter Liske asked Ottenbreidt where the manpower for constructing the pipeline would come from.

Ottenbreidt said the pipeline would provide Northerners with employment, but workers from the southern provinces would be called up.

"There are no plans yet, but there is more work to be done than there are available people in the North," said Ottenbreidt.

Liske also wanted a guarantee of employment for aboriginals on the route of the pipeline.

Ottenbreidt could only say that certain types of employment would be given to Northerners, but could not say which aboriginal groups would be hired.

Chief Fred Sangris said it's up to all aboriginals to stand up for their beliefs and stop any construction they do not want.

He said corporations have been making promises to aboriginal people since back in the 1970s.

"I hear a lot of promises, but even the Lord doesn't make that many promises," said Sangris.

"I am not going to be happy until everyone is happy."