An example of aerial geophysical surveying near the Athabasca Basin (website/Baselode Energy)

By Derek Cornet

Resource Exploration

Baselode chair surprised by Birch Narrows Dene Nation reaction to geophysical survey

Feb 24, 2021 | 12:45 PM

The chairperson of Baselode Energy Corporation believes the company has made significant and proactive efforts at communicating with Birch Narrows Dene Nation about its surveying plans.

Stephen Stewart was surprised when he initially learned that earlier this week the First Nation set up a roadblock in response to geophysical work being done by the company in northern Saskatchewan. While the checkpoint has since been removed, Birch Narrows continues to patrol the area near the Athabasca Basin to ensure work isn’t done without meaningful consultation.

“We had made many attempts to reach out and have communicated very directly with various members of the communities with what exactly our plans are,” Stewart said. “We have offered multiple education sessions [and] detailed plans on what we want to do. We offered opportunities for economic participation and we will continue to do that. We believe partnering with the local communities is paramount.”

Stewart explained Baseload has multiple claims in the area and the work to move forward is called a geophysical survey. He noted it has a low to no impact on the environment or animals and is essentially a team of three people collecting scientific data. Stewart added the ground is not pierced in any way, shape or form.

Baselode applied for permits with the province in October 2020, which Stewart said is the same time the company began engaging with local leadership. He claims Baselode was in communication with Birch Narrows, the Hamlet of Turnor Lake and Métis Local 40.

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“I’d like to say we absolutely acknowledge the Indigenous inherit and traditional rights of the Dene in the area,” Stewart said. “I have every expectation and intention we will ultimately gain their permission and trust, and we will have a long and fruitful relationship that sees mutual benefits come to all sides.”

larongeNOW was unsuccessful at reaching Birch Narrows Chief Jonathan Sylvestre for comment, but in a Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) press release issued Tuesday, he said, “resource developers must understand that provincial permits don’t give them the green light to run rough shot over our Inherent and Treaty rights.”

“First Nations must be meaningfully and properly engaged on issues that have the potential to adversely impact our rights,” Sylvestre is quoted as saying. “It’s been especially difficult to meet deadlines during COVID-19, while our efforts are keeping our communities safe – not on rubber stamping resource development activities in our territories.”

Birch Narrows, with the additional support of FSIN, are calling on Baselode to respect the First Nations decision for them to cease and desist further resource exploration and to vacate the area.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno