In a statement released today, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, voiced its support for the recent charges levied against Husky Energy in relation to an oil spill in 2016.
The incident saw over 200,000 litres of oil spilled into the North Saskatchewan River.
Communities, including North Battleford, Prince Albert and the James Smith Cree Nation were heavily impacted by the incident and had to establish secondary drinking water supplies.
A full investigation into the spill is currently being conducted by the Ministry of Energy and Resources, but officials with the FSIN are ready to place the blame on the energy company.
“Our people knew Husky was at fault for this disaster, we did not need a lengthy investigation to tell us that,” said FSIN Chief, Bobby Cameron. “The spill has caused irreparable damage to the lands, water, resources and wildlife that First Nations depend upon.”
Officials are also calling on better monitoring and Indigenous inclusion on behalf of the company.
“While compensation is important, it is also critical that measures, including better monitoring and Indigenous inclusion, be put in place to prevent this from happening in the future,” said Vice Chief, Heather Bear.
The FSIN also states that the compensation provided to First Nations impacted by the spill should be determined by First Nations and should be able to cover immediate and long-term impacts of the spill.
Husky is set to appear in provincial court in Lloydminster on Thursday to face charges.
(PHOTO: FSIN logo. Photo courtesy of FSIN.)