CORNWALL ISLAND, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 20, 2012) - The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) welcomed representatives from Niagara Gas Transmission Limited (NGTL), an Enbridge company, to the Tri-District Elders Centre on Cornwall Island today to officially mark the payment of $1 million to the MCA. The MCA and NGTL have signed an agreement that committed to a one-time infrastructure-related payment of $1 million and ongoing annual payments of approximately $100,000 for the next 20 years for the use of land in which the NGTL pipeline runs.

The agreement signed between the MCA and NGTL is the result of years of work that demonstrates the commitment by both parties to work together and build a strong relationship for a bright future. "Akwesasne has been engaged in a process to define and re-define its relationship with external agencies and governments that recognizes our jurisdiction and decision-making authority to determine how our lands will be utilized for the benefit of the Mohawks of Akwesasne," said MCA Grand Chief Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell.

MCA Kanatakon District Chief Larry King added, "The MCA hopes to build a strong relationship with the NGTL that is based on a foundation of cooperation, mutual trust and respect and this agreement reflects that relationship."

"The relationship between the MCA and NGTL is one that I am extremely proud of," said Lisa Lawler, President, NGTL. "From this agreement we are building a relationship that can be used as a model to demonstrate how working together in an open and transparent manner can achieve outcomes with mutual benefit."

"Enbridge is committed to working with and developing positive relationships with Aboriginal communities throughout our entire operation," said Guy Jarvis, President, Enbridge Gas Distribution. "This initiative is about more than economics - it will ultimately contribute to a stronger and more prosperous community from a strong relationship based on mutual respect and a desire to work together."

As part of the agreement, NGTL has agreed to work with the MCA to conduct an economic development study on the merits of the MCA commissioning and operating a natural gas distribution enterprise in its community.

Kawehnoke District Chief Abram Benedict concluded, "We are pleased that the agreement contains provisions that will provide additional benefits and services to Akwesasne, such as exploring the distribution of natural gas to the community in the near future."

ABOUT NIAGARA GAS TRANSMISSION LIMITED (NGTL)

Niagara Gas Transmission Limited (NGTL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge Inc. Enbridge Inc., a Canadian company, is a North American leader in delivering energy and one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations. As a transporter of energy, Enbridge operates, in Canada and the U.S., the world's longest crude oil and liquids transportation system. The Company also has a significant and growing involvement in natural gas gathering, transmission and midstream businesses, and an increasing involvement in power transmission. As a distributor of energy, Enbridge owns and operates Canada's largest natural gas distribution company, and provides distribution services in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and New York State. Enbridge employs approximately 6,400 people, primarily in Canada and the U.S. and is ranked as one of Canada's Greenest Employers, and one of the Top 100 Companies to Work for in Canada.

To view the photos associated with this release, please see the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/120enb_images.pdf

Media Contacts:
Brendan F. White
(613) 575-2348 ext. 2211
brendan.white@akwesasne.ca

Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.
Chris Meyer
(416) 753-6626
chris.meyer@enbridge.com