VICTORIA — Millions of dollars are expected to flow to a First Nation in British Columbias northwest as a result of two new deals tied to proposed liquefied-natural-gas pipelines.

The Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation says it has signed benefits deals with the Moricetown Band.

One deal is tied to TransCanadas proposed Coastal Gaslink pipeline and will give the First Nation located between Smithers and New Hazelton $6 million as project milestones are reached.

Moricetown is also the 16th and final band to sign onto the First Nations Limited Partnership and will share in $32 million in benefits once construction begins on the proposed Pacific Trail Pipeline.

According to Chevron Canada, the First Nations Limited Partnership ensures First Nations receive benefits and have direct access to the economic opportunities presented by the proposed Kitimat LNG project. The company asserts that over 85 per cent of total contracts awarded for the Pacific Trail Pipeline have been to First Nations businesses.

Photo: Chevron Canada

The Pacific Trail Pipeline project proposes a 480 kilometre natural gas pipeline that will deliver gas from Summit Lake, B.C. to the Kitimat LNG facility site at Bish Cove on the northwest coast of British Columbia.

The ministry says the Moricetown Band will receive a share of $10 million in benefits tied to each project, as well.

Pipeline benefits agreements are negotiated between First Nations and the provincial government and are separate from deals signed between aboriginals and project proponents