edmontonjournal.com |
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EDMONTON – A small First Nations band in northern Alberta has launched legal action against the Alberta government over continuing oilsands development in the region.
In a statement of claim filed today, the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation alleges that it was not properly consulted when oilsands leases were acquired in its territory, which infringes on its constitutional rights.
“Nobody respects who we are,” Chief Vern Janvier said with tears in his eyes at a press conference. “There’s no consideration for us and there never has been.”
MEG Energy Corp. has several planned projects in the area. The band alleges in its claim that the company’s projects are located in the “bread basket” of tradition lands that have supplied fish, game and other resources for generations of native groups.