By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Jan. 19 -- The Kaska Nation of western Canada and Foothills Pipe Lines Ltd., a subsidiary of TransCanada PipeLines Ltd., signed an agreement in principle Thursday that will provide the framework for a future participation agreement for the Alaska Highway pipeline project, the two parties said in a joint statement. The participation agreement will specify the benefits and opportunities Kaska communities will receive through the advancement of the Alaska Highway natural gas pipeline project.
"Key areas covered by the agreement in principle include the establishment of a joint advisory committee, a traditional knowledge protocol, a human resource strategy, and a joint environmental issues management strategy," said Kaska Tribal Council Chief Hammond Dick.
The agreement in principle marks the completion of the second stage of negotiations. The first, a cooperation agreement, was concluded in November 2001.
"This is a significant step for the development of the Alaska Highway pipeline project," said Foothills Pipe Lines Ltd. CEO Tony Palmer. The pipeline would extend 1,700 miles from Alaska's North Slope to northwestern Alberta where existing pipelines would carry the gas to US and Canadian markets (OGJ Online, Nov. 15, 2001).
David Porter, Chair of the Kaska Dena Council concurred: "This agreement is an important step forward for us. At the same time, it does not limit the Kaska from working with other pipeline companies, nor does it commit us to any one project." Participants of the competing McKenzie Delta gas pipeline proposal—the "northern route" planned entirely in Canada—have already signed a financial agreement that will allow another group representing Northwest Canadian aboriginal interests to participate in that $4 billion (Can.) project (OGJ Online, Feb. 24, 2003).
The Kaska Nation includes five First Nations in the southeast Yukon and northern British Columbia. Their traditional territory covers about 25% of the Yukon, adjacent areas of Northwest Territories, and about 10% of British Columbia. Kaska land claims are part of the first comprehensive claim accepted by Canada under its 1973 land claims policy.
