Alberta First Nation claims B.C. hydroelectric projects violate treaty rights

VANCOUVER - The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, an Indigenous group based in Alberta, has initiated a lawsuit against the governments of British Columbia and Canada, as well as BC Hydro. They are alleging that provincial dam projects were built without consideration for their treaty rights, culture, and way of life. Chief Allan Adam filed a civil claim notice last week on behalf of the First Nation in the B.C. Supreme Court.

The lawsuit claims that the dam projects have unlawfully interfered with the Athabasca Chipewyan's treaty rights, which date back to the 1960s when the W.A.C. Bennett Dam was constructed. The complaint extends to the recent completion of the John Horgan Dam, previously known as Site C. The lawsuit asserts that the potential downstream impacts of the Bennett dam were never communicated to the First Nation at the time of its construction.

Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that the John Horgan Dam has caused measurable impacts on waterflows in the Peace-Athabasca Delta, a vital ecosystem in the heart of the First Nation's territory. Despite BC Hydro's assurances, the lawsuit contends that the hydroelectric projects have adversely affected wildlife, fish, vegetation, and the traditional activities of hunting, trapping, fishing, and gathering for the Athabasca Chipewyan's members.

At present, the federal and provincial governments, as well as BC Hydro, have not responded to the lawsuit, which contains allegations that have not been substantiated.