Band Takes Issue With Venue For Court Proceedings

Band Takes Issue With Venue For Court Proceedings

Wednesday, November 05, 2008 at 14:20

 

 

The Hatchet Lake First Nation is objecting to a request from the courts to move a trial to La Ronge.

 

In 2006, over 5,000 litres of fuel spilled into Welcome Bay on Wollaston Lake.

 

At the time, a 12-year-old boy was charged with mischief.

 

However, earlier this year, the band was also charged.

 

Band councillor Ed Benoanie says the case should be heard at a venue closer to the reserve.

 

He says forcing band members to travel to La Ronge to act as witnesses will put undue financial hardship on them and the band.

 

He says it would make more sense for the judge and lawyers to travel north to see them.

 

Crown prosecutor Inez Cardinal has said the band could be forced to pay as much as $1 million for the spill.