Almost no First Nations input or ecological analysis has been included in the latest draft of the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (LARP). "This attempt (the draft plan) is not even worthy of a passing grade in a university course," said Dr. David Schindler, a world-renowned ecology professor at the University of Alberta.
"Aboriginal groups say a government plan that will dictate the future of Alberta's oilsands region heavily favours industrial development over environmental preservation, and they are prepared to sue if that doesn't change."
First Nations pan Athabasca land-use plan CBC News Edmonton June 7, 2011 http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/story/2011/06/07/edmonton-lower-athabasca-plan.html Crisis looming over lack of plan for conservation, aboriginal groups say Karen Kleiss Edmonton Journal June 7, 2011 http://www.edmontonjournal.com/technology/Crisis+looming+over+lack+plan+conservation+aboriginal+groups/4904066/story.html
Chiefs threaten legal action over Athabasca plan - Consultation process flawed: First Nations Darcy Henton Calgary Herald June 7, 2011 http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Chiefs+threaten+legal+action+over+Athabasca+plan/4903915/story.html
First Nations ready to fight LARP in court Carol Christian Fort McMurray Today June 7, 2011 http://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3159027 Aboriginal groups threaten legal action Edmonton iNews880.com June 7, 2011 http://www.inews880.com/Channels/Reg/LocalNews/story.aspx?ID=1436893 Legal threats undermine hoped-for peace on oilsands land use as comment closes Bob Weber The Canadian Press June 6, 2011 http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/greenpage/123255843.html