Expploration and mining companies have taken a large interest in land north of La Loche in recent years. (Image Credit: CNW Group/Clearwater River Dene Nation)

By Derek Cornet

mining industry

CRDN to implement checkpoint amid exploration concerns

Jul 13, 2026 | 5:00 PM

Clearwater River Dene Nation (CRDN) will be implementing a check-stop north of La Loche in August to monitor the activity of industry, along with providing an extra layer of safety for those travelling through the region.

That’s according to Chief Teddy Clark, who explained the main purpose is to serve the people of the First Nation, as well as to collect information and build up their database on how the land is being used, accessed, and how much band members are still utilizing their traditional territory.

Clark also stressed that the safety checkpoint, which will be staffed 24 hours per day with uniformed guards, should not be considered a roadblock. The check-stop is being organized on Highway 955 that runs through a section of CRDN reserve land.

“It will help us gather data on who is up there, who is working where, what type of work they are doing within our traditional territory,” he said.

“On the safety part of things…there’s going to be a lot of heavy equipment going up and down that road, so anytime someone is going up North, they can stop in and ask the guys if there is any heavy traffic coming through.”

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Clark noted CRDN does have a good working relationship with many companies operating their traditional territory, and in some cases, have engagement agreements with them. That’s not always the case, however, and sometimes they are left in the dark about the activities that are occurring in the region.

A media release recently issued by the band states that there is an unprecedented pace of uranium exploration occurring throughout the western Athabasca Basin. It adds that has created an unacceptable level of uncertainty, and the check-stop is partly in response to that.

“With industry, there are some industry companies, some exploration companies, that do not really consult and just kind of fly in and move in, that type of deal, and then we find out later on through the grapevine,” Clark said.

When asked how long the checkpoint would be active, Clark said he didn’t know but that it could be operational for years.

Earlier this year, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission approved the construction of Denison Mines Corp.’s Wheeler River Project and the NexGen Energy Ltd. Rook I Project within the Athabasca Basin. In addition, Paladin Canada Inc. is proposing to build a uranium mine and mill at Patterson Lake South.

Highway 955 will be the main link for the Rook I and the Patterson Lake South projects.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

by Derek Cornet

CRDN to implement checkpoint amid exploration concerns

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