The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, Oct. 2, edition that first nations fighting to block Enbridge's proposed Northern Gateway pipeline project say a court hearing that began Thursday will set the tone for aboriginal relations with the next federal government. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe reports that eight indigenous bands, four environmental groups and a labour union are in Vancouver's Federal Court of Appeal trying to overturn the government's approval of the $7-billion plan to ship diluted bitumen from Alberta's oil sands to British Columbia's coast. Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs president Grand Chief Stewart Phillip says Stephen Harper's government has demonized first nations on the issue of resource development. He says: "Our people have reached a breaking point, there's no question about that. I absolutely pray that we elect a national government that has a better national vision for this country, that's more inclusive and more respectful of what the indigenous peoples are attempting to tell this country." The bands argue the Joint Review Panel failed to adequately consider environmental threats or consult with first nations.