|
Canadian aboriginals try to hurdle land claims settlement
Gary Park
Aboriginal lands covering a huge swatch of the Northwest Territories, Yukon and British Columbia could be opened up for oil and natural gas exploration before a comprehensive land claims settlement is negotiated.
The Acho Dene Koe First Nation, seen as one of the most pro-active native communities in the field of resource development, has proposed a memorandum of understanding with industry and governments that would see lands posted and activity continue.
Chief Pat Kotchea said Dec. 20 that a memorandum of understanding would allow exploration and development on an interim basis without undermining whatever treaty rights might be included in a final agreement.
He said his community has already benefited from development in the Fort Liard area of the lower Northwest Territories and is ready to expand its horizons provided it is “involved very step of the way ... and has a final say in what happens.”
Acho Dene Koe leaders and representatives of ADK Holdings Ltd. have held meetings with company and government officials in Calgary, including BP Canada Energy Co.
Gas in production Two years ago, Chevron Canada Resources announced a major gas find with its K-29 well in the Fort Liard area, which was rated as one of the largest onshore wells drilled in North America. The three Liard wells are now producing close to 100 million cubic feet per day.
A spokesman for ADK Holdings said a busy winter is anticipated for the Liard including at least three seismic programs, drilling by Paramount Resources Ltd. and well servicing by Canadian Forest Oil Ltd.
One of the trickiest aspects of reaching an MOU is that the Northwest Territories government does not yet have jurisdiction over its oil and gas resources. The administration remains under the control of the federal Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
But the Acho Dene Koe emphasized that although trying something unprecedented it is not attempting to alter administrative or regulatory practices in its desire to “move forward and allow business to happen.”
| 