First Nation files multimillion-dollar suit over Wabamun spill

The Paul Band at Wabamun Lake has filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit over damages from a train derailment last summer.

Diesel fuel and oil spilled into the lake after 43 CN Rail cars left the track on August 3, 2005.

Wabamun Lake

• FROM AUG. 4, 2005: Oil spill keeps people from Wabamun Lake

• FROM AUG. 5, 2005: Wabamun Lake residents blocking track over oil spill

The band is suing CN Rail for $505 million, the federal government for $200 million and the Province of Alberta for $70 million.

Chief Daniel Paul says the band's traditional land has been irreversibly damaged by the oil spill. He says the land and water are integral to the life of the people in the band.

"We use them to feed our bodies and spirits, for our medicines and ceremonies, for economic development," Paul said at a press conference. "This is our home. Our people live here forever, we have nowhere else to go. Now, because of CN, we may have lost everything."

Paul says people in his community can no longer fish or hunt on or near lake.

The lawsuit claims the Paul Band holds CN Rail wholly responsible for the derailment and damages to the lake.

Chief Paul says the band is suing the federal government for failing to meet its legal responsibilities to the band and the government of Alberta for issuing an environmental protection order regarding aboriginal land on the lake without proper consultation with the band.