VICTORIA, B.C. — West coast native leaders are threatening to derail the provincial transportation network if the government doesn’t put the brakes on a land-claims referendum that could come as early as the fall.

“All of the reserves in British Columbia are strategically placed on railways, highways and waterways, so we could shut down this province,” says Judith Sayers, a B.C. chief who is leading the strategy for the council of 120 chiefs.

Robert Nault, federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, is expected to arrive on the scene today to lead talks between native and provincial government leaders.

The protest threat is the latest from the country’s First Nations and tribal councils a national campaign of protest, including highway blockades, was promised if Nault continues on his current course in the overhaul of the Indian Act.