Yukon First Nations still considering Bill S-6 lawsuit

Yukon First Nations say they're still considering whether to launch a legal challenge of Bill S-6.

The controversial federal legislation amending the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Act was passed earlier this month.

First Nations have said it also undermines the integrity of the final land claims agreements, and warned repeatedly they would launch a lawsuit if it passed.

Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Ruth Massie says while that decision hasn't been made yet, it is still being considered. Massie says Bill S-6 was discussed at length at the the recent CYFN general assembly.

"We are looking at our options," she said. "There is definitely an impact as far as the integrity of our agreements are concerned."

Massie says talks are ongoing with Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt and with the Yukon government to reach a "trilateral implementation accord," which Massie says could possibly stave off a lawsuit.

But she says although that door is open right now, an agreement is far from assured.

"What is their offer and is that good enough? They have actually breached our agreements and that's the big question," she said.

"How are they going to fix our relationship now?"

Massie says individual First Nations will now examine the impact of Bill S-6 at their general assemblies. She says the mood is far from conciliatory.

"I tell you, our citizens are not happy. We put in 42 years of work. What was it for? Where is the honour of the Crown?"

Massie notes that a federal election will take place this fall and a territorial election next year. She says First Nations are taking steps to ensure aboriginal citizens are ready to vote and she says they will register their unhappiness at the polls.