A small First Nation in Alberta is going to federal court with hopes of blocking one of the biggest energy projects in Alberta's history -- the giant Mackenzie Valley pipeline.
For years, the Dene Tha' have complained about the effects of oil and gas development on land they consider their traditional territory in the northwest corner of Alberta. They're worried that the Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline development will ruin their way of life.

The band claims they've never benefited from the energy revenues. So they've decided to take their case to federal court to stop the project, arguing that they were not properly consulted about the pipeline.
Elders and long-time trappers like Alex Mercredi complain that there are fewer animals to catch for food and for fur. He believes the more than 350 oil wells in the area have already damaged the environment, and he's worried the pipeline will make things worse.
"Once it goes through, our livelihood is gone," Mercredi said. "We won't be able tolive off [the] land, we won't be able to trap, we won't be able to hunt."

The Dene Tha' say they weren't officially told about the Mackenzie Valley pipeline until January of last year, long after plans had been in place. By going to court, they're hoping for a full consultation of what the project will mean for their land.
Band Chief James Ahnassay says the pipeline will take a 100-metre swath of land.
"If you look at north-western Alberta, it's criss-crossed with seismic lines, pipelines, roads, [and] there are many oil and gas leases," Ahnassay told. "So the destruction has taken place already."

The Dene Tha' will be in court in June, although Ahnassay admits it would be a miracle if the First Nation of 2,500 people blocked the giant pipeline project. If they fail to stop the project, the Dene Tha' will get a chance to make their point in public hearings scheduled for this summer.
If the pipeline does go ahead, the Dene Tha' hope energy companies will hire some of their band members and provide trades training for those who want to work on the project.