About two dozen people from Dene communities in northwest Saskatchewan are travelling by snowmobile to the Primrose Lake Air Weapons Range.
The group plans to clear a trail leading to traditional Dene hunting areas, and build several cabins.
Buffalo River Dene Nation Chief Lance Byhette says the goal is to take back traditional territory.
That part of the province has been off limits to traditional resource users since the weapons range was set up in the 1950’s.
Two members of the band were charged with hunting offences in 1994 after a hunting excursion on the weapons range.
Saskatchewan’s appeal court eventually rejected their argument that it is traditional band territory, even though a lower court agreed with the hunters’ point of view.
The Supreme Court of Canada decided not to hear the case.
Byhette says people from three communities are involved in the latest initiative:
“We’re not looking for any compensation. It’s called ‘BRDN – Keepers of the Land’ — and it’s between Buffalo River and the two hamlets, St George’s Hill and Michel Village. So we’re all relatives here and we’re planning to go back in there. Stories were told that our ancestors were scared to go in there, they had to sneak in there.”
Byhette says the Dene should not have to sneak into their own territory to hunt and gather, but its not known how the federal government will respond.
A Facebook page has been set up and is called: “BRDN – Keepers of the Land, Primrose Lake Air Weapons Land Claims Support”.