Treaty rights are at the heart of a court battle between a northwest Saskatchewan First Nation and the provincial department of environment.

The Buffalo River Dene Nation is trying to block two oil sands exploration permits on a huge tract of land located near what it says is its traditional territory

Chief Lance Byhette says this fight is worth taking to the Supreme Court of Canada, if necessary.

“We are going to defend our position and we’re going to all avenues right until we exhaust every area because enough is enough,” he says.

A government official says the permits grant the company Scott Land and Lease exclusive rights for exploration, but do not permit access to land or excavation.

The official says this type of permit will not be issued until First Nations and Métis groups are consulted.

No date for the court hearing has been set.