A Court of Queen’s Bench justice has ruled against the Buffalo River Dene Nation in its attempt to halt oil sands exploration on what the band calls its traditional territory.
The legal action was launched last summer after two exploration permits were issued to Scott Land and Lease.
The First Nation believes granting the permits was a violation of treaty rights and says the policy of duty to consult was ignored.
But Justice Grant M. Currie ruled last week that the issuing of exploration permits does not “engage the duty to consult”.
The province says the permits grant the company exclusive rights for exploration, but do not permit access to land or excavation.
Chief Lance Byhette says the court’s decision was not a setback for the band, and discussions will be held to decide the next move:
“I’m meeting with legal representatives to go forward with the next thing we have to do for the community. This is not going to set us back or anything. We’re going to pursue whatever means necessary to make sure these things are addressed. I think the courts have to start hearing the new concerns about First Nations right across Saskatchewan and start dealing with the people of Aboriginal groups.”
Justice Currie dismissed the court application with costs.