"We believe it is incumbent upon the Government to abstain from any decisions that would result in the issuing of any peat licenses until such time as its constitutionally mandated duties have been fulfilled," said Chief Bone.

Canadians are increasingly aware of the severe environmental issues associated with peat. For centuries peat was used as a source of fuel, and in modern times it is commonly used as a growing medium in gardening. Environment scientists are warning, however, that peat mining is an incredibly destructive and unnecessary industry.

Also the entire watershed of the Little Saskatchewan River is within the boundaries of Treaty No. 2 in which the First Nations agreed to share their lands for purposes of "immigration and settlement."

On July 5, 2012 the Government of Manitoba issued Environment Act License No. 3010 to the "Daly Irrigation Development Group" for the construction and operation of an irrigation system in the Rural Municipality of Daly.

Chief Norman Bone therefore also served notice to Gord Mackintosh that they regard the provincial government's decision to issue a license to the Daly Irrigation Development Groups as having strong potential for serious negative impact on the rights and interests of First Nations.

"We believe it is incumbent upon the Government to stay the license until such time as its duties have been fulfilled," Chief Bone said in the Treaty 2 notice.

The river's fragile ecosystem provides critical habitat for several endangered and at-risk species.