Cumberland House Cree Nation takes a stand to protect the Saskatchewan River Delta
Fighting for our children’s future.
On June 10, 2021, Cumberland House Cree Nation (CHCN) declared sovereignty over the Saskatchewan River Delta—Kitaskīnaw, as it is known in Nehinawewin. Four years later, CHCN now is taking action against the Province of Saskatchewan for their role in the Delta’s decline.
June 10th, known as “Delta Day,” to CHCN, marked a momentous day as CHCN, along with community members, allies, and the media gathered to announce the filing of a significant legal claim against the Province of Saskatchewan. The claim alleges the provincial government has failed to manage the cumulative impacts of development on the Saskatchewan River Delta, breaching CHCN’s constitutionally-protected Treaty rights, and resulting in an ecological crisis in the Delta.
A united front amongst CHCN community members and allies
The press release was held at Delta Hotels Bessborough on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. CHCN leadership was present including, Chief Rene Chaboyer and councillors Beverly Goulet, Angus McKenzie, Shane McKay, and Walter Sewap. Accompanying them were Tim Dickson and Nathan Surkan from JFK Law LLP and Climate Smart’s Aaron Kuchirka, Nadina Gardiner (CHCN community member), and Courtney Sevigny.
The event saw more than 60 CHCN community members, including youth, Elders, and students from the University of Saskatchewan, in attendance. Among the attendees were Dr. Tim Jardine and Graham Strickert, researchers at the School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, whose presence underscored academic concern in the ecological state of the Delta.
CHCN community member takes a shot of the press release event.
Media turnout was high, with eight reporters representing seven major outlets, including:
Sasktoday.com
MBC News (northern radio)
CKOM Radio
CTV Saskatoon
CBC
Global Saskatoon
CJWW Radio
All parties present at the press release engaged in an interactive dialogue, with community members jumping in during the Q&A to answer journalists’ questions. Many Elders recounted the ways they have seen the Delta change and the impacts that upstream activities, including industrial, agricultural and urban activities, have had on the Delta during their lifetimes.
“I am old, I’m not going to be here maybe 10 years down the line, who knows, but our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be. That is who we want to protect, because we have done enough damage to this planet. To protect it, we have to work together because that is not what I want to leave my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”
- CHCN Councillor, Beverly Goulet
The press release concluded with attendees walking and gathering at the Court of King’s Bench of Saskatchewan, to await the filing of the legal claim. Applause erupted once CHCN’s lawyers, Tim Dickson and Nathan Surkan, stepped out with filed claim in hand.
Climate Smart Portfolio Manager and CHCN community member, Nadina Gardiner, directs questions during press release.
What is at stake?
The Saskatchewan River Delta, once a vibrant and productive wetland supporting a rich tapestry of life, is now suffering from upstream activities approved by the Province of Saskatchewan. Hydroelectric projects have disrupted water flows and deprived the Delta of critical sediment and nutrients, while urban, industrial, and agricultural water activities have further reduced water levels. Pollution from upstream activities has rendered the remaining water unsafe for drinking.
For CHCN, the Delta is more than a wetland; it is the foundation of their culture, identity, and way of life.
“We are pursuing this litigation against the Province of Saskatchewan to compel the responsible management of upstream activities. The Delta and our rights are too important to be ignored,” stated Chief Rene Chaboyer of CHCN.
Environmental consultant Aaron Kuchirka echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the broader ecological stakes.
“The continued degradation of the Delta due to a lack of responsible management would result in the loss of one of Canada’s largest carbon sinks and irreversible impacts upon wildlife populations.”
A Call to Action
The Saskatchewan River Delta stands at a critical juncture, with its future hanging in the balance. CHCN’s legal claim seeks to address the cumulative impacts of upstream activities on the Delta in order to ensure the survival of its unique ecosystems and the cultural heritage it sustains.
To learn more about the claim and media coverage please visit the pages listed below:
