The Clearwater River Dene Nation will establish an industry monitoring checkpoint on Highway 955 next month as uranium exploration accelerates across northern Saskatchewan.
The nation announced on Tuesday that uniformed and deputized Clearwater River Dene Nation Guardians will operate the checkpoint on the Nation’s reserve north of La Loche, beginning in August 2026.
The initiative also aims to improve communication and accountability for industrial activity throughout the Nation’s traditional territory in the western Athabasca Basin.
Companies, contractors and other industry representatives travelling through the area to conduct industrial work will be asked to provide basic information. Furthermore, guardians will request the company name, the general location and purpose of the work, the expected duration of activities and appropriate corporate and site contact information.
The Nation said the information will help it maintain a current record of industrial activity. Additionally, it expects the system to strengthen communication with companies working throughout its territory.
Chief Teddy Clark said the checkpoint responds to a growing problem created by the rapid increase in uranium exploration. He said the Nation has lacked a reliable way to determine who is entering its territory, where companies are operating and how frequently industrial work occurs.
Clark said that situation has become unacceptable. Consequently, he described the checkpoint as a practical and lawful way to improve accountability while helping protect lands, waters, Treaty rights and the safety of people using the territory.
The Clearwater River Dene Nation said it supports responsible uranium exploration and mining development. However, it said better oversight has become necessary as exploration activity continues to expand.
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Nation believes consultation practices are not enough
The Nation said it has built constructive relationships with several companies operating within its traditional territory. It also said it remains committed to working collaboratively with companies that respect Indigenous rights.
However, the Nation believes existing notification and consultation practices no longer provide enough information about industrial activity. Leaders said they often lack timely details about who is working in the region. Furthermore, they lack ideas where projects are taking place and the cumulative level of exploration occurring across the territory.
The Highway 955 checkpoint aims to close that information gap. Furthermore, the Nation said the initiative will support its responsibilities as steward of its traditional territory.
Guardians will collect information from industry representatives travelling through the checkpoint. Meanwhile, the Nation said it intends to continue working with governments and responsible industry while promoting greater transparency.
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