Cumberland House Cree Nation has filed a lawsuit against the Saskatchewan provincial government, alleging failure to protect the Saskatchewan River delta and violation of Treaty 5 obligations. The First Nation claims that upstream activities like dams, irrigation, and industrial uses have severely reduced water flow and polluted the delta, impacting their treaty rights to hunt, fish, and trap. Chief Rene Chaboyer and lawyer Tim Dickson emphasized the delta's importance to their culture and the community's forced legal action. The proposed Lake Diefenbaker irrigation megaproject is cited as a serious threat.
Lawsuit accuses province of failing to protect Saskatchewan River delta, violating treaty obligations
BysaskatoonCumberland House Cree NationSaskatchewanSaskatoonFirst Nations peopleTreatiesLegalLaws
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Cumberland House Cree Nation has filed a lawsuit against the Saskatchewan provincial government, alleging failure to protect the Saskatchewan River delta and violation of Treaty 5 obligations. The First Nation claims that upstream activities like dams, irrigation, and industrial uses have severely reduced water flow and polluted the delta, impacting their treaty rights to hunt, fish, and trap. Chief Rene Chaboyer and lawyer Tim Dickson emphasized the delta's importance to their culture and the community's forced legal action. The proposed Lake Diefenbaker irrigation megaproject is cited as a serious threat.
Trending- 1 Treaty 5 signed in 1875.
- 2 Ancestors of Cumberland House sign Treaty 5 in 1876.
- 3 Ongoing degradation of Saskatchewan River delta due to upstream activities.
- 4 Proposed Lake Diefenbaker irrigation megaproject committed to beginning this year.
- 5 Cumberland House Cree Nation files statement of claim Tuesday (2025-06-10) in Saskatoon Court of King's Bench.
- 6 News conference held by Chief Rene Chaboyer and lawyer Tim Dickson.
- Degradation of Saskatchewan River delta
- Loss of safe drinking water
- Disappearance of fish species
- Changes in moose and bird migration
- Difficulty finding muskrats
- Forced legal action by First Nation
- Potential legal and financial implications for Saskatchewan government
What: Cumberland House Cree Nation filed a lawsuit against the Saskatchewan provincial government. The lawsuit alleges the government failed to protect the Saskatchewan River delta and violated Treaty 5 obligations, due to upstream activities degrading the ecosystem and impacting treaty rights.
When: Statement of claim filed Tuesday (2025-06-10). Treaty 5 signed in 1875, ancestors of Cumberland House signed in 1876. Lake Diefenbaker project committed to beginning this year.
Where: Saskatchewan River delta (northeastern Saskatchewan into western Manitoba), Saskatoon Court of King's Bench, Canada.
Why: Government-approved upstream activities (dams, irrigation, industrial/urban uses) have reduced water flow and polluted the delta, degrading the ecosystem and preventing Cumberland House Cree Nation from exercising their treaty rights. Lack of engagement from the government on these issues.
How: Cumberland House Cree Nation, through their lawyers, filed a statement of claim in court.