Hay River (Jun 12/06) - The chief of K'atlodeeche First Nation (KFN) says the band might erect checkpoints on the highway and railway coming into the NWT to check for dangerous goods and chemicals when construction begins on the Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

K'atlodeeche First Nation elders - left to right, Jim Lamalice, Daniel Sonfrere and Pat Buggins - address the Joint Review Panel for the Mackenzie Gas Project on June 8 - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

"Even today, we don't know what's going through our territory," Chief Roy Fabian said at a June 8 hearing on the Hay River Reserve of the Joint Review Panel for the Mackenzie Valley Gas Project.

Fabian noted there would be thousands of extra rail cars and trucks needed to supply pipeline construction, and that will create the risk of spills.

The chief also objected to the very existence of the independent panel, established in 2004 to conduct the environmental impact review of the project.

Dene never surrendered the land under Treaty 8 or 11, and the panel is based on a false premise of jurisdiction by Canada, he said.

His participation at the hearing was "under protest," he added. "Unfortunately, we have no choice but to play your game."

For several years, Hay River, 243 km from the pipeline right-of-way, will serve as a central supply point. Material will be brought in by rail and highway, and barged up the Mackenzie River.

In Hay River on June 9, the seven-member panel heard concerns about a proposed 425-person camp near a residential area on Vale Island.

Kandace Thomas, a 21-year-old councillor with West Point First Nation (WPFN), is worried about alcohol and drugs possibly coming into the community with workers at the camp.

Dee Brandes, manager of consultation and community affairs with the proponent Mackenzie Gas Project, said the reason is proximity to the worksite at the Northern Transportation Company Limited assembly area.

Brandes said the Town of Hay River has suggested "controlled access" to the community by workers, explaining that might be something like guided tours.

Hay River resident Harvey Werner said that plan is illogical.

"It's not going to work," he said, adding the workers, who would rotate in and out of Hay River, would expect to have the rights of any other citizen.

The hearings' recurring themes were pollution, effects on wildlife, social impacts and employment opportunities.

WPFN Chief Karen Felker wondered how the "humongous" project will affect band members, many of whom fish on Great Slave Lake

"It's not about the money. It's not about being pro-pipeline or against the pipeline," Felker said. "It's about the environment."

On the Hay River Reserve, the panel heard from elders, who spoke of the importance of protecting land.

Speaking on behalf of youth, Patricia Abel, 17, outlined a list of concerns, including the need for criminal records checks for all workers, counselling services for families and employment opportunities. In Hay River, Mayor Diana Ehman told the panel the project will help ensure the town's continued growth and prosperity, but the impact has to be manageable.

"The Town of Hay River supports the development of the Mackenzie Gas Project," Ehman said. "But not at any cost."