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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2001

A consortium of First Nations in the Northwest Terrotories on Monday signed a deal that gives them 33 percent in a proposed natural gas pipeline through Canada.

The memorandum of understanding was signed between the Aboriginal Pipeline Group and Imperial Oil, Shell Canada, Conoco Inc. and ExxonMobil Canada. In addition to ownership, education, health care and other benefits are promised if and when the pipeline is built.

There is no firm plan where to build the pipeline, which would run through the Mackenzie Valley and bring gas from Alaska's North Slope to southern markets. The First Nations have committed to seeking $65 million to help guide the project.

Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles told Congress he doesn't favor a pipeline that runs through Canada but a southern route through his state. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) is supporting the southern route and has offered it in compromise to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Get the Story:
Deal in hand, pipeline group seeks cash (CBC 10/16)

Related Stories:
Arctic drilling debate continues (10/15)
Alaska gas pipeline debated (10/3)