First Nations Tribe Leaders, Gas Line Companies In Talks Over Oil Pipe Project In Canada

October 4, 2008 8:03 a.m. EST

Winnipeg, Manitoba (AHN) - First Nations tribe leaders in southern Manitoba have urged gas line companies TransCanada and Enbridge to consult with Canada's aboriginal communities first on oil pipeline projects in the province.

"We want a commitment to sit down, consult and accommodate. We want to ensure our rights are respected and upheld," said Peguis Chief Glenn Hudson, representing the seven chiefs whose First Nations are signatories to Treaty 1, according to Sun Media.

The Treaty 1 chiefs earlier went to court to compel the federal government to mediate between First Nations and the gas line companies on pipeline projects being laid through Manitoba aboriginal land.

Consultations with TransCanada were ongoing, while Enbridge hearings will start next week. Chiefs are optimistic on the outcome of talks.

The Treaty 1 deadline follows after blockades by Saskatchewan First Nations hampered the construction of Enbridge's Alberta Clipper pipeline at two locations in that province.

First Nations said there were neither consultations nor the communities given enough opportunities to work or invest in the project.

The gas line firms and the tribal communities are working on an agreement that would provide training, jobs and business opportunities related to the project.