A northwestern Saskatchewan First Nation has launched legal action aimed at blocking oil sands exploration near its reserve.
The Buffalo River Dene Nation is asking the courts to set aside two exploratory permits covering 200,000 acres of land north of the Primrose Lake Air Weapons Range.
Band chief Lance Byhette says the provincial government issued the permits last December without any consultation with the band, which he says is a clear violation of its treaty rights.
He says the band is prepared to take its fight all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada.