The leadership of Cumberland House Cree Nation is taking the provincial government to court for what they believe has been a breach of their treaty rights. 

CHCN Chief Rene Chaboyer says an array of upstream projects, such as the Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Project, the E.B. Campbell Hydroelectric Station, and the Nipawin Hydroelectric Dam, have dried up the Saskatchewan River Delta and taken the area’s animal population with it.  He says the swarms of mammals, birds, and fish that used to reside in the region have mostly disappeared, making it hard for citizens to hunt, fish, or teach their children how to do either. 

“These major projects have significant impact, not only on the Delta, but it’s affecting our people’s culture, way of life, and quality of life,” Chaboyer admitted. 

The Chief added that these upstream projects have also tainted the Cree Nation’s water supply.  

“Back in the day, the Delta provided healthy food and nutrition for our people. Nowadays, everything is just so contaminated and harmful.”

The Nation’s lawyer, Tim Dickson at JFK Law in Vancouver, says he doesn’t have an exact number, but if financial compensation is one of the main remedies to come out of the trial, it would be a very large figure.  

“Certainly, compensation is important, because Cumberland House has lost a lot already, and stands to lose much more into the future.” He adds that compensation isn’t the main goal, but instead the protection of the delta for generations to come, to which Chaboyer agreed. 

“We’re trying to find solutions to clean up the Delta, to revitalize it, remove harmful invasive species per say. There are so many things, solutions, at hand that we can do,” the Chief encouraged.

Now, on June 10th, what is known to the Nation as Delta Day, it is taking the Province to court in hopes of repairing some of the damage that has taken place. Dickson didn’t specifically say the Nation wants the projects reversed, but he admitted that they are a very serious threat.