More than 1730+ Members strong, Buffalo River (ejeredesche) Dene Nation (BDRN)’s main community is Dillon, located on the western shore of Peter Pond Lake in north-western Saskatchewan, Treaty 10 territory.
The Denesųłiné people of BRDN have a deep-rooted relationship with their language, culture, and lands, and continue to be active as hunters, trappers, and fishermen. They value Mother Earth and the ways all plants, animals, and human beings are intertwined.
BRDN is committed to its traditional ways of living while pursuing opportunities to increase wealth and self-determination through access to housing, education, and economic development. Leadership and community work to preserve Traditional Knowledge and uphold the Rights and Title of their ancestral Lands.
In recent decades, BRDN’s current and former leadership have actively pursued specific claims with the federal government. Resolving these land claims through negotiated settlements helps honour treaty obligations, addresses past wrongs, and provides certainty to all parties with interests in the region.
Approved Claims
Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (CLAWR) – Completed 2021
Settlement for the impact of Primrose Lake Air Weapons Range on BRDN’s traditional hunting, trapping, and fishing territory and the Crown’s failure to provide adequate compensation.
Agricultural Benefits Claim “Cows & Plows” – Completed 2024
Settlement for the Crown’s failure to honour Treaty 10 by providing the tools necessary to support a transition to an agricultural way of life.
Ongoing Claims
Treaty Annuities
Related to the Treaty promise of an annuity of $5 per year, this claim asserts the promise was connected to the commercial value of $5 when Treaty 10 was signed in 1906 and needs to be adjusted to meet the current value.
Treaty Land Entitlement
Related to the amount of land owed to the Nation under the terms of Treaty 10.
BRDN leadership have taken an active role negotiating benefit agreements with Nexgen and Fission Uranium, mining companies developing projects in BRDN’s traditional territory. These benefit agreements help define opportunities related to these projects, support meaningful engagement and participation, and ensure BRDN Members receive benefits from these projects.
An important part of BRDLP’s economic development strategy is to expand on employment, training and business opportunities related to these operations.
NexGen Energy Impact Benefit Agreement
Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) signed July 2021
BRDN’s Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) with NexGen Energy Ltd. is related to the BC company’s Rook I Project, host of the Arrow uranium deposit in BRDN’s traditional territory. Developed after six years of consultation, this IBA formalizes the mutual objective to responsibly develop Rook I and includes cultural, economic, employment, and other benefits to be provided to the Nation throughout the project’s complete lifecycle.
Birch Narrows Dene Nation, Clearwater River Dene Nation and Métis Nation Saskatchewan have signed similar agreements with NexGen. BRDN leadership continues to oversee implementation of the agreement.
Fission Uranium Impact Benefit Agreement
Benefit Agreement in Negotiation
BRDN leadership signed an engagement and communication agreement with Fission Uranium in July 2022 related to the PLS project, host of the Triple R uranium deposit in BRDN’s traditional territory. Fission began the Environmental Assessment in December 2021, published a Feasibility Study in 2023, and submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment in March 2024. Fission has scheduled construction and production for 2029. BRDN Chief & Council are currently negotiating an impact benefit agreement to ensure cultural, economic, employment, and other benefits expected to be completed in early 2025.
Note: Australian mining company Paladin Energy is expected to finalize acquisition of Fission Uranium in fall of 2024.