With the Saskatchewan government set to begin work on a $1.15-billion project to expand irrigation at Lake Diefenbaker, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is voicing concern over the project.

In a news release the FSIN says the announcement at the SARM convention this week that the construction is slated to begin in 2025 raises “significant concerns for First Nations’ rights, water security, environmental sustainability, and the integrity of consultation processes.”

Chief Bobby Cameron says First Nations must be included in major project decisions that impact traditional lands. He points out the drought situation the province has been suffering under and says projections for 2034 look even worse so responsible use of collective water resources is paramount. The FSIN says irrigation projects can potentially have widespread impact on soil, water availability and quality, ecosystem health, and wildlife.