The Hatchet Lake First Nation is joining forces with the FSIN in a lawsuit against the federal government.
The suit is in relation to Bills C-38 and C-45 and was introduced at the FSIN winter assembly Thursday.
Hatchet Lake Chief Bart Tsannie says they decided to launch the suit because they fear development could go unchecked in their territory.
He says they want to make sure the band is consulted before lakes and fish habitat are impacted by development:
“We need to be properly consulted before these things happen,” he says. “If it has happened before…we have to protect what we are living on here.”
The chief adds commercial fishing is extremely important to many members and could be jeopardized by the government legislation.
Tsannie says the resolution was passed by the chiefs in attendance.