Enbridge’s Inc, the Calgary-based pipeline giant seeks the approval to run its $7.9 billion Northern Gateway petroleum and condensate pipelines. Still, much more needs to be done in order to gain the support from the environmental organizations, the government, and the First Nations.

Aware of the rising oil demand of the Asian market, Enbridge is determined to seize this opportunity, for the demand will increase over years and they will gain huge profit as the Alberta-Kitimat, B.C pipeline is built. However, it currently is facing the fierce opposition from the Nak’azdli, for the pipeline lies on the heart of Nak’azdli’s territory. The Yinka Dene Alliance( a group of six First Nations including the Nak’azdli) has made its firm stance to not let the oil pipeline be built, and they claim that their traditional territory encompasses 25% of the proposed route. This implies Enbridge  is facing a threat which would affect their key resources, petroleum, condensate, and land 

The opposition from the Aboriginal communities serves as the threat which challenges Enbridge’s operation and potential benefits. However, the giant figure in pipeline industry is set to turn this external threat into an opportunity which would generate the maximum benefit and reduce the conflict to the least. Enbridge has held more than 2000 public hearings for First Nation communities. In addition, it offers these communities equity partnership, making them one of the prominent key partners of the project and  granting them 10% stake in the pipeline project. The pipeline will generate more than $300 million contracts and job opportunities.  The First Nation group, at the same time, will also receive fundings from Enbridge to support the local education and environmental protection. Enbridge has worked hard to resolve the disputes and safety concern of the First Nations, especially the Nak’azdli, in hopes of turning the most prominent external threat they encounter into an opportunity to change the public’s impression of pipeline and demonstrate Enbridge’s willingness to maximize the environmental safety by improving the safety enhancement and respect the Aboriginal communities’ tradition and living style.

Works Citied:

Hoekstra, Gordon ““‘There Will Be No Pipeline’ In the Heart of Nak’azdli Territory, There Is a Steely Resolve — the People Are Firmly against Northern Gateway.” 16 Aug. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/There+will+pipeline/10122968/story.html

First Nations and Métis partnership is at the very heart of the Northern Gateway Project

http://www.gatewayfacts.ca/Benefits/First-Nations.aspx

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/northern-gateway-pipeline-project-6-things-to-know-1.2469561