Those against the proposed Energy East pipeline say there has been raising opposition to multimillion dollar project.
Chief Ron Tremblay says aboriginal groups in the Maritimes are starting to take more of an interest.
"I think people are becoming more aware of the possibility, the strong possibility of spillage into the waters, the rivers, the streams the lakes," said Tremblay.
Tremblay says native opposition to pipeline projects is growing on both sides of the border, as demonstrated by the aboriginal stand taken against the Dakota Access pipeline.
The presidential election has changed the outlook of Energy East. Donald Trump’s victory means that another option for getting Alberta oil to tidewater is back on the table through the Keystone XL pipeline – a project that has the support of the president elect.
In a statement on Sunday, TransCanada Pipeline told CTV News that one project would not necessarily close the door on the other.
“Energy East and Keystone XL are two separate projects to serve two vastly different markets,” the statement said. “TransCanada and oil shippers remain committed to both."
But pipeline opponents say the tide is turning against Energy East.
"I would absolutely say it is less likely,” said pipeline opponent Lynaya McKinley. “The opposition to Energy East has not shrunk. It is certainly growing whether that me in Quebec or New Brunswick.”
TransCanada says it is striving for consent by working with and learning from indigenous communities.
"There's proven documentation about our treaties,” said Tremblay. “Our treaty rights that we've never surrendered. No lands. We've never surrendered our resources, our water"
Supporters and opponents of the project continue to wait for the National Energy Board to revive the pipeline hearings – a review process that has now been delayed for more than two months.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Mike Cameron.
