New Brunswick First Nation leaders are considering legal action against the provincial government for not consulting with them in the proposed NB Power deal with Quebec.

A group of First Nations chiefs met in Fredericton on Wednesday to express their frustration against what they believe is the New Brunswick government turning its back on a promise to consult on issues impacting their communities.

'By dealing with these massive assets that clearly have unresolved issues relating to our rights, without consulting us, is really a violation of the spirit of that agreement.'— Stewart Paul, Tobique First Nation chief

Tobique First Nation Chief Stewart Paul said the provincial government signed an agreement in 2007 that First Nations would be involved in decisions on issues that involve them.

He said that hasn't been the case with NB Power, even though resources on First Nation lands would be part of the deal.

Paul said it's not whether the proposed sale is a good idea or a bad one, what they're angry about is that it was set up without their involvement.

"By dealing with these massive assets that clearly have unresolved issues relating to our rights, without consulting us, is really a violation of the spirit of that agreement," he said.

Paul said if the provincial government does not consult New Brunswick First Nations about the deal, the matter could end up in the courts.

"I really think we have a very strong legal ground. We have constitutionally defined and protected rights that just can't be disregarded," Paul said.

"This is a very serious thing. And the constitution has to be upheld."

The New Brunswick government is proposing to sell a majority of NB Power's generation assets to Hydro-Québec for $3.2 billion.

The deal includes selling the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station, the utility's fleet of hydro dams and two smaller units.

It's not just the proposed NB Power deal that has First Nations concerned.

Pabineau First Nation Chief David Peter Paul said the provincial government called for proposals for more than 30 licences to search for oil and gas in January.

He said some of that land involved includes traditional aboriginal territories but they were not consulted before the announcement.