Northerners say the federal government's plan to regulate the release of treated oilsands tailings water will be met with opposition by communities downstream. As the N.W.T. Environment minister gears up for a diplomatic approach with Alberta and Canada, Dene leaders like Smith's Landing First Nation Chief Gerry Cheezie are prepared to take legal action with Dene Nation, and to bring their opposition to the release of tailings all the way to Ottawa.