Dene Oil Exploration Deal Fine With NDP Government

Tuesday, June 05, 2007 at 14:21

 

 

Saskatchewan’s Minister of First Nations and Metis Relations says he isn’t bothered by being left out of an energy deal in the North.

 

Last month, the Buffalo River Dene Nation signed an agreement with Access Energy that would allow oil exploration on the band’s traditional territory.

 

Saskatchewan Party Leader Brad Wall was invited to the event, but the NDP government was left out.

 

Maynard Sonntag, who is also the province’s new Industry and Resources minister, says he doesn’t see a problem — noting its governments that have a duty to consult First Nations, not the other way around.

 

An official with the department says companies wishing to explore Crown land must bid at a land sale first.

 

Deb Young says the next one in the province is set for August 13th.

 

She says Access Energy will need to buy land at the sale before any exploration occurs.

 

Sonntag says he’s aware many chiefs in the province are deeply concerned about the whole issue of duty to consult.

 

Sonntag adds the issue is one that will be felt more and more as development projects continue to emerge on traditional lands.

 

He says First Nations will likely have to consult each other more often in the future, as their traditional boundaries sometimes overlap.

 

Sonntag adds his department is preparing to develop a sturdier framework governing the issue.