[IPSM] Deh Cho ignore pipeline ultimatum

[Macdonald Stainsby]

Dehcho let pipeline deadline lapse

Last Updated: Tuesday, August 1, 2006 | 11:37 AM CT
CBC News

The deadline for the Dehcho Nations in the Northwest Territories to join
the Aboriginal Pipeline Group passed on Monday, with no indication of a
decision.

The APG is a consortium of aboriginal groups along the route of the
proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline, which gives participating First
Nations a one-third share of the project.

All N.W.T. aboriginal organizations along the route have joined the APG,
except the Dehcho peoples. Those First Nations live along about 40 per
cent of the length of the proposed line.

The Dehcho have refused to participate in any pipeline project, saying
they want to settle their land claim with Ottawa first. The situation
frustrates the chair of the APG.

"He's using the aboriginal pipeline business deal as leverage to negotiate
his land claim with the federal government," Fred Carmichael said of
Dehcho Grand Chief Herb Norwegian.

"So it's political on his part and we're a business venture. We can't get
tangled up in politics."

Carmichael says the APG has been waiting six years for the Dehcho to come
on board. The group has held the Dehcho's 34 per cent share aside, waiting
for a decision.

"You know, a deadline is a deadline, we gave them a 30-day extension
already," he said. "That's final, that's it. If they do come back with a
request, all I can do is take that to the board of directors."

Dehcho leaders are scheduled to meet to discuss the pipeline agreement at
a meeting on Aug. 8, and an APG board meeting is scheduled for the next
day.

Carmichael says if any offer comes out of that meeting, he would take it
to his board.

Calls to Grand Chief Herb Norwegian were not returned.

--
Macdonald Stainsby
http://independentmedia.ca/survivingcanada/
http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/rad-green
In the contradiction lies the hope.
--Brecht.