Alberta First Nation claims B.C. hydroelectric projects violate treaty rights
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
- Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
*Your next Free Press subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
VANCOUVER – The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation in Alberta is suing the British Columbia and federal governments and BC Hydro, alleging that provincial dam projects were built without regard for their rights, culture and way of life.
Chief Allan Adam filed a notice of civil claim on behalf of the First Nation in B.C. Supreme Court last week, claiming the projects have unlawfully interfered with the Athabasca Chipewyan’s treaty rights, dating from the 1960s when the W.A.C. Bennett Dam was built to the recent completion of the John Horgan Dam, formerly referred to as Site C.
The lawsuit says the Bennett dam’s “potential downstream impacts in Alberta” were never communicated to the First Nation at the time.
The lawsuit also says the John Horgan Dam had “measurable impacts” on the waterflows in the Peace-Athabasca Delta, “despite BC Hydro’s assurances.”
The lawsuit says the delta is in the “heart” of the First Nation’s territory and the hydroelectric projects have allegedly harmed wildlife, fish and vegetation, and destroyed “hunting, trapping, fishing and gathering opportunities” for its members.
The federal and provincial governments and BC Hydro have not filed responses to the lawsuit, which contains allegations that have not been proven.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 9, 2026.