Canadian government takes legal action against Alberta First Nation famous for battling oil sands

The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, a First Nation whose leadership has spoken out for years against oil sands pollution in northern Alberta, is among six First Nations being taken to court by the federal government for not complying with a new law requiring bands to post audited financial statements online.

The First Nation's spokesperson, Eriel Deranger, called the lawsuit "a kind of bullying" in retaliation for  fighting the oil industry, although the government said this is not the case.

The five other bands the government is suing are the Thunderchild, Ochapowace and Onion Lake First Nations in Saskatchewan, and the Sawridge and Cold Lake First Nations in Alberta. 

Of 582 First Nations across Canada, 48 have not complied, according to the federal minister of aboriginal affairs, but these six expressly stated they do not intend to comply with the newly legislated First Nations Financial Transparency Act.