EDMONTON - Two Aboriginal bands are joining a Supreme Court fight between First Nations and oilsands proponents over development in Alberta.

“Our traditional territory is being overrun and cut to pieces by oilsands, major pipelines, gas fields and major power projects,” said Chief Don Testawich of the Duncan’s First Nation near Peace River.

“Companies … are proposing massive projects that will fuel unsustainable oilsands growth. Development on this scale is making our treaty rights meaningless and threatens our traditional way of life.”

The Supreme Court has granted intervener status to Duncan’s First Nation and Horse Lake First Nation of northwest Alberta in the Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. versus the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council case.

At issue is whether energy commissions like the Alberta Energy Resource and Conservation Board have a duty to decide whether First Nations were adequately consulted before granting development permits.

“To date, it’s been like watching a game of musical chairs where everyone is saying they are addressing our concerns, rights and interests but no one actually gets down to it and does it,” said Chief Rick Horseman of the Horse Lake First Nation.

“We need a referee in Alberta that will deal with First Nations in a serious and impartial way and blow the whistle when our rights are being trampled,”