Pipeline holdouts unlikely to buckle
By CP
FORT SIMPSON, N.W.T. -- The new leader of the last aboriginal group to hold out against a northern natural gas pipeline says he isn't likely to bring the Dehcho First Nation on board the $16-billion project any time soon.
Gerald Antoine, chosen last week as interim chief, said yesterday he's not convinced joining a consortium of northern aboriginals that would own a one-third share in the Mackenzie Valley project would serve his people's best interests.
"I don't think it's a good deal," said Antoine, who replaced Herb Norwegian when he stepped down after pleading guilty to assaulting a woman.
Antoine said the energy companies involved, led by Imperial Oil, may have to change their approach if they want the Dehcho on side.
"The approach they had was a dog-eat-dog approach," Antoine said.
"That's not the way Dene people are."
Antoine said his job over the next months will be to consult widely with other Dehcho chiefs and elders on what kind of development people want on their land. The Dehcho claim territory that covers about 40% of the pipeline's projected route.
