Fort Simpson (Aug 18/06) - Dehcho First Nations leaders emerged from their leadership meeting on August 10 with a list of demands for both the federal government and the Aboriginal Pipeline Group.

Dehcho First Nations (DFN) could still join the Aboriginal Pipeline Group and endorse the proposed Mackenzie gas project if it gets to see confidential documents and the federal government agrees to take steps to resolve uncertainty over control of land in the region.

DFN leaders said they will discuss the pipeline deal again after being allowed to see confidential agreements it has tried to get access to for some time.

As well, DFN leaders said the federal government has to implement the draft Dehcho land use plan, agree to an outline of an agreement over land jurisdiction, and a timeline to reach an agreement on who will govern resources in the region. If the federal government doesn't respond, the DFN said they will stop considering the pipeline and resist the project "with every means at our disposal."

Fred Carmichael, chair of the APG, addressed the leaders on August 9, saying the deal has already been subjected to two independent reviews by the Deh Cho Economic Corporation and the Dehgah Alliance Society.

The deal has also been reviewed by the Inuvialuit, Gwich'in, Sahtu and the governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories.

"We at the APG need to know how many more times you are going to study it before you make a decision," Carmichael said.

Carmichael presented the APG deal and the pipeline as a way for leaders to create assurances for their children's futures.

"We need jobs for our young people. We need money for their education," he said.

The APG respects that the Deh Cho is still working on their land claims, but a way forward could be found, he said. "We're not here to twist your arm and make you take it because (the pipeline) is going to happen with or without you."

Doug Cardinal, the director of the APG, said the requested business documents will be made available to interested bands as long as they comply with a confidentiality agreement.Many leaders commented that they still need more information on the deal.

"Our community is still wanting to hear what the APG agreement is all about," said Chief Stan Sanguez of Jean Marie River.

Chief Tim Lennie of Wrigley tied the APG deal to larger issues. "Until you support us in resolving our political issues, there is no business deal here," Lennie told the APG representatives.

Some leaders are ready to move forward.

Chief Keyna Norwegian of the Liidlii Kue First Nation said she sent a letter to the APG expressing interest in her band's share of the pipeline ownership. As long as the agreement doesn't infringe on the Dehcho process, access and benefits negotiations and treaty rights, Liidlii Kue will be moving forward towards an agreement, said Keyna Norwegian.

Grand Chief Herb Norwegian cautioned communities about making individual decisions.

"If you are going to go for the pipeline you might as well sell out and give your land up because that, in fact, is what is happening as we speak," Norwegian said.

Canada knows the pipeline deal is connected with the federal offer of land selection and they are putting out bait, Norwegian said.

Norwegian also said the APG will have to release the business documents to the Dehcho First Nations because the communities will wait for their advice before making a decision.

Norwegian said he is confident that the communities will stay together.

"I feel stronger than ever," he said.

A second leadership meeting has been tentatively scheduled for Sept. 18.