First Nation says oil licenses breach treaty rights
- EFN Staff | March 28, 2016
The Buffalo River Dene Nation says the Province of Saskatchewan has approved a controversial drilling program in northwestern Saskatchewan over the First Nation's objections and without fulfilling its duty to consult.
It says on March 8, 2016, Saskatchewan issued two licences to Iconoil to commence a test drilling program, despite numerous requests by the Nation, a Treaty 10 signatory, to meet to discuss the adverse impacts of the proposed program on the exercise of their Treaty rights. This was after the Province acknowledged on, January 29, 2016 that “the duty to consult has been triggered.”
The licences allow drilling southwest of Dillon Lake, in an area known by the Province to be extensively used by Buffalo River members for trapping, hunting, fishing and gathering (and contains numerous cabins, traditional campgrounds, an extensive trail network and Sacred Areas. The drilling program is intended to explore the feasibility of full scale oil development of the area and will interfere with the exercise of Buffalo River's constitutionally-protected Treaty and Aboriginal rights.
"We first heard about this drilling from the oil company, before we were told anything by the Province," said Chief Eileen Morrison. "I sent two letters to the Province asking to
meet to discuss our concerns about the impact of the drilling. The Province told us they wanted to consult but they didn't even respond to my meeting requests. They know this area is vital for our survival, and that this drilling paves the way for further oil wells and development. They issued the licences in record time without hearing our concerns. Consultation is meaningless if it takes place after a decision is already made."
Band member and former Chief Lance Byhette said the First Nation feels deceived and disrespected: "When we took Saskatchewan to Court in 2013 to defend our Treaty and Aboriginal rights in that same area, Saskatchewan told the Court that we didn't need to worry because if they were ever asked to issue licences that would impact the surface of the land they would follow their consultation policy and meaningfully consult with us. Now Saskatchewan has approved these licences without even responding to our request to meet. Instead of fulfilling its promise to the Courts to consult, Saskatchewan has totally disregarded and disrespected our Nation and our rights.”