Beaver Lake Cree Nation filed a constitutional challenge over the impacts of multiple tar sands mines and other industrial development in Beaver Lake Cree territory. They are the first community to ever challenge – and be granted a trial on – the cumulative environmental, social, and cultural impacts of industrial development. A win would force an ecosystems approach to environmental regulation in Canada’s oil patch, slowing tar sands expansion and defending treaty rights for Indigenous Nations.
How the RAVEN Community supported this victory
This is an ongoing case. However, substantial gains have been achieved in the pre-trial phase.
RAVEN proudly assisted Beaver Lake Cree Nation to apply for — and successfully secure — Advance Costs for a case they have shown to be of national importance. When Alberta appealed the Advance Cost ruling requiring Canada, Alberta, and BLCN to equally share the costs of litigation, the Nation fought the appeal all the way to the Supreme Court. With their 2022 Supreme Court victory, the Nation has helped enshrine the right to access to justice for all Nations who should never have to choose between going to court to protect their rights and providing clean water and basic necessities to their communities. For updates on the progress of the Defend the Treaties case – formerly the Tar Sands Trial – please check out the campaign page: https://raventrust.com/campaigns/.
