Alberta First Nation claims B.C. hydroelectric projects violate treaty rights

The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation in Alberta is suing the British Columbia and federal governments and BC Hydro, alleging that provincial dam projects were built without regard for their rights, culture and way of life.

Chief Allan Adam filed a notice of civil claim on behalf of the First Nation in B.C. Supreme Court last week, claiming the projects have unlawfully interfered with the Athabasca Chipewyan's treaty rights, dating from the 1960s when the W.A.C. Bennett Dam was built to the recent completion of the John Horgan Dam, formerly referred to as Site C. 

The lawsuit says the Bennett dam's "potential downstream impacts in Alberta" were never communicated to the First Nation at the time.

The lawsuit also says the John Horgan Dam had "measurable impacts" on the waterflows in the Peace-Athabasca Delta, "despite BC Hydro's assurances." 

The lawsuit says the delta is in the "heart" of the First Nation's territory and the hydroelectric projects have allegedly harmed wildlife, fish and vegetation, and destroyed "hunting, trapping, fishing and gathering opportunities" for its members. 

The federal and provincial governments and BC Hydro have not filed responses to the lawsuit, which contains allegations that have not been proven. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 9, 2026.

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