The Athabasca Chipewyan first nation has lost its fight to force the government to inform it before it grants oilsands leases on aboriginal land.
The band had asked the Supreme Court to overturn a lower court decision that upheld sales to Shell Canada.
But the court has dismissed the application to hear the case.
The band’s lawyers said they had hoped the case would set a precedent requiring the government to consult with First Nations.
Published February 23, 2012
