The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) says it needs to be a full participant in the response to the oil spill on the North Saskatchewan River.
A leak on July 21 at the Husky Energy pipeline near Maidstone, Sask., spilled between 200,000 and 250,000 litres of crude oil and other material.
READ MORE: Oil spill triggers Prince Albert, Sask. to shut down water intake
North Battleford and Prince Albert have shut water intakes from the river due to oil sheen and both the Battleford Tribal Council and the Prince Albert Grand Council are making preparations as the oil slick nears their communities.
FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said that although Sweetgrass First Nation Chief Lori Whitecalf has been provided with updates, he said there needs to be First Nation representation at the command centre dealing with the spill and clean up.
“We acknowledge the inclusion of information to Chief Whitecalf as a good first step in cooperating with First Nations to address the oil spill but we need further representation in the command centre,” Cameron said in a release.
“We need assurances that First Nation’s interests in respect to our inherent and treaty rights to hunting, trapping, fishing and gathering will be taken into account during the decision making process.
“As stewards of the land it is our role to protect the environment including the waterways.”
READ MORE: Efforts made to save oil-soaked wildlife after spill by Maidstone, Sask.
The FSIN said they will be monitoring the environmental impact the oil spill has on their cultural and traditional lifestyle.
FSIN added that in previous disasters involving oil spills, the companies responsible paid for the costs associated with environmental assessments, cleanup and rehabilitation.