Haudenosaunee Development Institute wants Marineland's land in Niagara Falls, Ont.

A group representing the traditional leaders of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council says it wants Marineland's land.

Aaron Detlor, a lawyer with the Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI), told CBC Hamilton he plans to write a letter to the Crown that states the land should be set aside "specifically and solely for the use of the Haudenosaunee" because the park based in Niagara Falls, Ont., sits on traditional lands.

And if there is a transfer of land to a different owner, Detlor said HDI needs to be part of the process, like being involved in environmental assessments.

It comes as the theme park, which has been both adored and criticised for its use of aquatic animals, is actively looking for a new owner.

The attraction sits on traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

HDI has intervened on other activities in the region that relate to land use, including Hamilton's attempts to clean up sewage in Chedoke Creek and work to investigate a burial ground that unearthed human remains and Indigenous artifacts in the Niagara Region.

CBC Hamilton contacted Six Nations of the Grand River's elected council and Mississaugas of the Credit about Marineland but didn't immediately hear back.

Marineland didn't immediately respond to questions from CBC and Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati declined to comment. Diodati previously said he'd welcome a roller coaster theme park or another attraction that doesn't involve animals.

Detlor said he hasn't had contact with Marineland's owners on the subject.

He said if HDI did get the land, the Haudenosaunee people would decide how the land gets used.

"But at the end of the day, we need to ensure there's revenue resourcing available for the people of Six Nations for very specific needs including health, education and water," he said.

"Anything we'd be looking at would be directed at ensuring that it benefits the actual people of Six Nations and other Haudenosaunee people."

He did say the Haudenosaunee wouldn't continue using aquatic animals the way Marineland has.

The park has come under recent fire after the death of three marine animals since March. 

The ministry previously ordered Marineland to fix a broken water system that was leaving animals in distress. Marineland appealed the order and it's unclear what has happened since as neither the park, nor the province, have offered details.

Animal Justice, an animal law advocacy organization, lodged a legal complaint in July 2021 against Marineland's treatment of Kiska, the last captive killer whale in Canada who died in March, accusing the park of breaking the law by not meeting her physical and mental needs.

The complaint followed videos posted by Phil Demers, a former Marineland trainer-turned-whistleblower, that appeared to show Kiska floating listlessly and moving slowly.

Later that same year, Marineland was charged criminally after Animal Justice filed another complaint alleging dolphins were being forced to perform for entertainment despite a national ban.

The charges were stayed in December 2022.