The first access and benefits agreement has been signed clearing the way for the Mackenzie Valley pipeline, and a snap vote has been called in the affected communities to approve the deal.

Three Sahtu communities, Norman Wells, Tulita and Deline, reached an agreement with the producers this week. No one is saying what's in the agreements that will pave the way for construction of the natural gas pipeline.

Negotiators are travelling to Tulita and Norman Wells to explain the package. People there are expected to vote on the deal Thursday. The leadership of Fort Good Hope and Colville Lake are now looking a deal, and may decide to take it to a vote later this week as well.

The access and benefits agreements are needed to secure aboriginal support for the pipeline to pass through their lands. The agreements would ensure communities maximize their benefit from the pipeline's construction and operation.

No one in the Inuvialuit, Gwich'in or Dehcho regions would comment on the status of their talks with the pipeline proponents. Imperial Oil is expected to decide by Friday whether it is prepared to proceed with regulatory hearings on the pipeline project.

Meanwhile, a split has emerged in the negotiating team that has been trying to hammer out an agreement.

Stephen Kakfwi, once described as the district's chief negotiator, has been downgraded to a "technical advisor". Kakfwi has been promoting a controversial proposal to tax the pipeline, which would bring in annual income for the communities.

"Imperial Oil and the federal government have made it clear they're not happy with my involvement. They've always tried to find a way to get us out of the picture," he says.

Even the leadership of Kakfwi's home community is distancing themselves from him.

Ron Pierrot, chief of Fort Good Hope, wouldn't say why Kakfwi's role has changed.

"Somebody who is from the community who doesn't live in the community shouldn't be identified as speaking for the Kasho Got'ine position, particularly through the media," he says. The question about who speaks for the district may be cleared up at a leadership meeting Wednesday.

CBC North