FORT CHIPEWYAN, Alta. - A First Nation says Alberta's plan to balance the oilsands and the environment ignores the concerns of people who live in the remote northeastern region of forest and muskeg.
The Athabasca Chipewyan say the plan puts some minor restrictions on oilsands development, but does not protect their treaty rights or cultural livelihood.
There are about 1,000 members of the First Nation living on four reserves in northeastern Alberta.
The First Nation says the province has set weak environmental standards that won't do enough to protect endangered woodland caribou and other wildlife.
Athabasca Chipewyan leaders say the plan will "annihilate our lands and our future," and the First Nation may launch a legal challenge against it.
The Lower Athabasca Regional Plan creates conservation zones, but allows existing conventional oil and natural gas wells to continue operating in those areas.
