Western First Nations launch $3 billion lawsuit over aboriginal oil

Two western First Nations are launching a lawsuit over the things they say is federal mishandling of the energy resources on their reserves.

The Onion Lake and Poundmaker Cree bands are asking Federal Court to award $3 billion in damages.

They say the federal agency responsible for developing and regulating gas and oil reserves on aboriginal land has failed them badly.

In their statement of claim they accuse Indian Oil and Gas Canada of neglecting to promote and develop the resource.

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The bands in Saskatchewan and Alberta also the agency failed to protect energy resources under their lands from being drained by wells adjacent to them.

Statements of claim contain allegations that have not proven in the court.

The two First Nations are hoping other bands within the same position will join in their lawsuit.