First Nation leaders worried about Saskatchewan Husky Energy oil pipeline spill

PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. – First Nation leaders are worried about how the Husky Energy oil pipeline spill will affect their people and wildlife in and around the North Saskatchewan River.

Chief Crystal Okemow of the Lucky Man Cree says First Nations need to be part of the monitoring and regulating of the oil industry.

She says the pipeline breach that spilled up to 250,000 litres of oil may have been avoided if First Nations had a greater say on the location of pipelines.

Sweetgrass First Nation Chief Lorie Whitecalf says people who live off the land will feel the effects of the oil spill the most.

Chief Kenny Moccasin of the Saulteaux First Nation says many of his people hunt and pick berries along the river.

He says some members of the band are talking about staging a protest against Husky Energy over the spill. (MBC)