Alberta native band looks to social media for funds in oilsands fight

EDMONTON – An Alberta aboriginal band is hoping to fund a court fight against the province’s oilsands regulator through a plea on social media.

A member of the Beaver Lake First Nation, which filed a lawsuit yesterday against the Alberta Energy Regulator, is hoping to use a crowdsourcing site to raise $100,000 to fund the action.

Chief Henry Gladue says he wasn’t aware of the plea for funds, but that the band will be glad of any financial support.

Crowdsourcing funds through social media is becoming an increasingly popular way for groups to fund their activities.

George Hoberg, who teaches environmental policy at the University of British Columbia, says it allows groups to raise awareness and money at the same time.