A northern Saskatchewan First Nation that's being prosecuted for allegedly breaking environmental laws is upset because the Crown wants to move the trial away from their community.

The Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation was charged under provincial and federal legislation after a diesel spill contaminated Wollaston Lake in 2006.

The spill — an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 litres of fuel — cost over $700,000 to clean up. Originally, a teenager was charged with causing the spill, but a charge against him was stayed.

The case against the band began in provincial court in Wollaston Lake earlier this year.

However, the Crown wants to move the venue to La Ronge, 460 kilometres to the south.

The province has concerns about finding accommodations and flying in Crown witnesses to the remote community, according to Billy Zimmer, the Environment Ministry's manager of specialized enforcement.

"The Crown had some concerns with what in all likelihood would be the length of the trial, which is likely going to be fairly long," Zimmer said.

Hatchet Lake band councillor Ed Benoanie disagreed with the notion that accommodations would be a problem, saying there is a hotel in Wollaston Lake and other options as well.

"We live there. We'll welcome them in our homes. Stay with us if they have to. Bunk in and we'll accommodate them," he said.

The band can't afford to fly witnesses to La Ronge for a trial, Benoanie said.

A judge will hear both sides at the next court date on Nov. 24.