Fred Carmichael Shares His Thoughts About The Pipeline
Community consultations on a proposal to bring Mackenzie Delta natural gas to southern markets have begun in the Northwest Territories. As a longtime northerner, it reminds me of the Berger Inquiry.
But this time, northern Aboriginal people are at the planning table. In a sense, we are now wearing two hats. One hat we wear identifies our traditional role as guardians and stewards of the land. The other hat represents our emerging role as business opportunity developers.
We will share in the ownership and benefits of the proposed Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline. This is guaranteed as part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Producers Group and the Aboriginal Pipeline Group. We will participate in the definition of the Mackenzie Gas Project. We are participating in project studies and we will put our traditional knowledge to work in ways that will benefit everyone.
Through the Aboriginal Pipeline Group (also known as the Mackenzie Valley Aboriginal Pipeline Corporation), Aboriginal northerners are now in a position to maximize both ownership and benefits of a Mackenzie Valley natural gas pipeline. But that doesn't mean we are any less concerned about the protection of our land. We strongly believe in the land. I was born in Aklavik and raised on a trapline. My elders taught me to respect our traditional lands. From the Delta to the Deh Cho, Aboriginal northerners are united in our commitment to protect the environment. We have responsibility to the Creator and to future generations. Protecting the land is a top priority.
We also have a responsibility to develop an economic base for our children and grandchildren. I lived in a tent as a teenager. I know what it is like to chop wood and haul it by dog team. But my grandchildren will never make their living from the land. That part of our world has changed forever. That's why I am determined to take advantage of the economic opportunities that controlled, responsible resource development will bring.
We have seen too many projects come and go that didn't benefit our people. Often, most of the workers and businesses came from the south. Sometimes we weren't ready - our people didnÕt have the training and the business resources to be involved. Too often, we spent so long talking or arguing about how to do it, that the opportunities passed us by. We are not going to let that happen this time. We are united in our desire to maximize the benefits of a pipeline.
We can clearly see that if a pipeline will be built in the next few years, we need to get ready now. Our people need to make choices about the training they need and the businesses they need to create. But we also know that while it takes a lot of people to build a pipeline, it doesn't take many to operate it once it is in place. So we need to take a broader view of the opportunities that could be available. We are interested in the long term.
We need to develop qualified workers in other occupations. The North is rich in resources and many of our people are already helping to develop them. In the long term, there will be a lot of work in supplying services to oil and gas producers and explorers. There's also a lot of work in mining. Diamonds and metals provide many opportunities. In some areas the forestry is also important. And all across this vast territory there is great potential for tourism. We want to ensure that our people will have ongoing employment and business opportunities after the pipeline is built.
To take advantage of these opportunities we need to work together as Aboriginal people and as northerners. We will need more than training and business planning. We need to strengthen social and family programs that support people working outside their home communities for extended periods of time. We need to ensure financial support for emerging businesses. And we need to share information generously and promptly so that all northern people can get ready.
The benefits that can be created through the construction of a Mackenzie valley natural gas pipeline are huge. That's why we are at the table. It may get confusing wearing two hats. But better two hats than none.
About The Author: Fred Carmichael is President of the Gwich'in Tribal Council and the current Chair of the Aboriginal Pipeline Group.
