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Yukon First Nation demands role in Alaska Highway pipeline planning Wants to be ‘constructive participants and supporters,’ but warns that current consultation process could lead to Native blockades or court challenges Gary Park PNA Canadian Correspondent
The Yukon’s largest First Nation is demanding to be fully consulted on an Alaska Highway gas pipeline through its territory or it will consider blockades or court challenges.
The Kwanlin Dun First Nation outlined its position at a Calgary news conference March 19, warning that the current negotiating process could jeopardize the project’s chances of success.
“We have largely been kept in the dark by industry and governments on this project,” said Judy Gingell, chief executive officer of the Kwanlin Development Corp.
She said the community is worried that an influx of up to 3,000 construction workers into the Yukon will boost inflation and harm wildlife.
Kwanlin Dun Chief Rick O’Brien said it would be “tragic if this potentially great opportunity ended up being stalled in Canadian courts because of a lack of proper planing and consultation. Partnership necessary “We want to be constructive participants and supporters of the pipeline, but for that to happen we must be involved as a partner from the beginning.”
He said a settlement of the Kwanlin Dun land claim would be a “significant step in the right direction.”
With about 1,100 members, the Kwanlin Dun land surrounds the Yukon capital of Whitehorse. About 90 miles of the proposed 2,000-mile line would cross the First Nation’s land.
The Kwanlin Dun, in a Pipeline Engagement Strategy, said it was determined to avoid the devastating impact of aboriginal culture of past historic development in the Yukon, such as the Klondike Gold Rush and the Alaska Highway construction project.
The strategy said the Kwanlin Dun is very aware that short-term economic gains could be significantly outweighed by long-term negative social, environmental, cultural and spiritual impacts.
To that end, it wants to discuss possible benefits options, such as: training and employment (including ensuring that all employees under a certain age have their high school diplomas); contracting and procurement; resource rent; compensation for environmental and wildlife impact; and social and cultural impact mitigation.
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