NWT - In days gone by, a handshake to welcome the new year was much more meaningful, to look forward with optimism and renewed energy.

John B. Zoe: pipeline negotiations have put great pressure on Dehcho. - NNSL file photo

What’s different about this coming new year is the approval of the applications for the construction and operation of the Mackenzie Gas Project by the National Energy Board.

When the original pipeline hearings were completed in the mid-1970s, it was an occasion for the aboriginal groups to come together to oppose with a united voice. In the end, there was a moratorium so that land claims could be settled and people could at least have a chance to get ready. The united voice of having said "no" would be weathered and beaten down for the next 30 years.

The National Energy Board with its hearings in some ways has answered the same question after listening to Northerners and interests groups with a "yes." The big difference between "no" and "yes" is that "yes" will be implemented with vigor, financing and political will. The only question is "when," and that answer is in creating a good economic climate for investors to lay down their monies.

When the moratorium for the original pipeline was put into place the aboriginal peoples worked together to settle claims, but that came and went and groups continued with regional claims. Three of the regions have settled their claims and one of the remaining unsettled claims, the Dehcho have been in full land claims negotiations to this date. The proposed pipeline will cross their area, taking precious time away from negotiations.

One of the major items that the Dehcho have been involved in for very many years was the protection of Edehzhie also known as the Horn Plateau as a national wildlife area. While the process for approval slowly makes its way along, a renewal for the interim protection for the subsurface looked normal, until it was announced by the federal minister that the subsurface would not have continued protection from encroachment.

This puts a lot of pressure on the Dehcho, especially with limited resources to have no choice but to raise the possibility of pursuing a judicial review of the ministerial decision. Although the wrenches on the pipeline will not be turned in the immediate future, the planning in the skyscrapers on the horizon of large southern centers will most likely continue.

Land claims negotiations are a tedious process, where the emotions run their course to the highest and lowest levels. The biggest differences are that the federal and territorial governments hold the cards of many processes for distractions. Governments ultimately have to exercise discretion in how the "yes" is pursued, the same way the "no" held to their principles for fairness in treatment

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