Enbridge is facing a startling number of new First Nations lawsuits, challenging the constitutionality of the Harper’s government decision in June to approve the controversial Northern Gateway pipeline.

Eight First Nations -- from Haida Gwaii to Yinka Dene territory west of Prince George – have launched legal challenges, since Friday. Nine more, were launched earlier this year, said the West Coast Environmental Law organization.

Many Aboriginal leader plaintiffs represented at a Vancouver media briefing on Monday said their people worry about the risks of pipeline and supertanker oil spills.

“To run tankers through our territory -- we find this to be a real threat to the Gitxaala [people],” said acting Gitxaala Chief Councilor Clarence Innis.

Gitxaala Chief Councillor Clarence Innis - Vancouver press conference on Monday about Enbridge law suits - Mychaylo Prystupa

“80 per cent of our food still comes from this area. When the tide is out, the table is set. All will be negatively impacted if those oil tankers are allowed to run through our territory, every day for the next 40 years,” he added.

The lawsuits have the potential to significantly delay or kill the pipeline, said several of the Aboriginal leaders.

The First Nations argue that the Joint Review Panel process, that recommended the pipeline, was an example of the Crown failing to consult.

“Harper’s decision is just plain wrong and not in the national interest as claimed. This is clearly corporate and foreign interest against everything that is right. And against the chorus of people from every spectrum of B.C. who have said ‘no’ to this project,” said Patrick Shannon with the Council of the Haida Nation.

The “wave” of lawsuits is coordinated said the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, and designed to kill the project in court.

Enbridge CEO not worried

Enbridge’s CEO told a Calgary investor crowd recently that the landmark Supreme Court Tsilhqot'in (pronounced Chil-co-teen) ruling did not change his outlook for the Northern Gateway pipeline. The decision recognized the need for industrial proponents to first gain the consent of First Nations, if a project is on traditional territory. It does not give Aboriginal communities a final veto.

"I think, in many ways the decision does provide some clarity on the law that was already there. It puts into practice what the law was," Al Monaco told an energy conference, the Canadian Press reported.

"So I think that's positive."

Enbridge CEO Al Monaco - Mychaylo Prystupa - March 2014

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs said the CEO’s statement was mere PR.

“I think that’s whistling past the graveyard in the dark. I think Enbridge is trying to give assurances to their investors,” said Grand Chief Phillip.

“I believe Enbridge is in a very deep and dark hole. And it’s certainly got a lot darker with the Supreme Court decision in the William Tsilhqot'in case,” he added.