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The $6.6 billion (US$5.1 billion) pipeline, to be operated by TC Energy Corp., would transport gas from near Dawson Creek in northeast B.C. to Kitimat on Canada’s Pacific coast and supply the country’s largest liquefied natural gas export terminal, called LNG Canada, which is under construction.

Coastal has the support of all First Nations along the route, but hereditary chiefs of Wet’suwet’en Nation, through which 28 per cent of the 670-kilometre (420-mile) route passes, oppose it.

The chiefs’ opposition highlights the difficulties of advancing resource projects in Canada, where by law governments must meaningfully consult and accommodate indigenous groups.

Chief Na’moks of Wet’suwet’en’s Beaver Clan said the chiefs will never support Coastal on their land, which was not ceded under treaty.

“We’ll maintain our stance of absolute opposition as well as remaining peaceful,” Na’moks said in an interview. “We’re not letting them have access.”

The route runs near rivers that provide salmon for Wet’suwet’en and through pristine forest, Na’moks said.

We're not letting them have access Chief Na'moks of Wet'suwet'en's Beaver Clan

RCMP said it would allow chiefs, government officials, journalists and critical supplies to pass the checkpoint. Wet’suwet’en chiefs have said several of their people were denied passage, which RCMP said was the result of miscommunication.

Last month, private equity firm KKR & Co Inc and Alberta Investment Management Corp (AIMco) agreed to jointly buy a 65 per cent stake in Coastal GasLink.