Winter trail from Fort McMurray, AB to La Loche, SK.
LA LOCHE, Sask. — The Clearwater River Dene Nation (CRDN) has activated a safety checkpoint on Highway 955 north of La Loche as uranium exploration activity continues to expand in the western Athabasca Basin.
The checkpoint came into effect at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, and is located on the CRDN reserve along a key route into uranium exploration areas. Media representatives, industry personnel and members of the public travelling through the reserve are being asked to check in.
According to the Nation, the checkpoint is intended to improve community and public safety, information-sharing and environmental oversight as industrial activity increases across its traditional territory.
CRDN said the rapid growth of uranium exploration has increased the need for reliable, current information about industrial operations, helping the Nation monitor developments, support environmental stewardship and maintain communication with companies working in the region.
Under the process, companies, contractors and other industry representatives travelling to conduct industrial work will be asked to provide basic information, including the name of their company, the general nature and location of the work, the anticipated duration of the project and appropriate corporate or site contact information.
The Nation said the information will help it understand where and when activities are taking place and support effective communication with those operating within its Traditional Territory.
CRDN said all checkpoint activities will be carried out lawfully, peacefully, respectfully and professionally by trained, uniformed personnel. The Nation emphasized that the checkpoint is not intended to interfere with lawful travel or responsible industrial activity, but to enhance safety, transparency, accountability and information-sharing.
CRDN said it remains open to responsible uranium exploration and mining development and will continue working with governments, regulators and companies that respect Indigenous rights, meaningful engagement and Nation-led monitoring processes.
The Nation also said it will continue to exercise its role as steward and guardian of its lands, waters, resources and Treaty rights. CRDN further described itself as a rightful Indigenous government and said it will continue to fulfil its responsibilities within the lands it uses and occupies.
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