Eleven Saskatchewan First Nations groups have had their say on the proposed Energy East pipeline that would move western crude oil from Alberta and Saskatchewan to refineries in Eastern Canada.
Much of the route is through central and Southern Saskatchewan, traversing Treaty 4 land.
The National Energy Board (NEB) is currently hearing oral traditional arguments from 111 First Nations across Canada.
Earlier this week, Saskatchewan intervenors expressed a general theme of protecting the environment, traditional ways, and allowing First Nations direct economic participation in the project.
Elders are a big part of the process of making oral presentations to the NEB about things like sacred and ceremonial sites and traditional uses of land and water in areas where the pipeline will pass. Two days of hearings were held in Regina. There was also the repeated message that treaties guarantee rights and do not sign off on things like revenue generated from resources on treaty lands.
On Thursday the hearings were in Calgary.
The oral traditional hearings are part of the federal government’s commitment to consult with First Nations on resource development projects that affect treaty lands, and will continue for the next several weeks and into the new year.
The Energy East pipeline is a $12 billion project.