Two First Nations in Whitehorse are trying to stop the Yukon government from selling some waterfront land near Shipyards Park until Premier Dennis Fentie talks with aboriginal leaders.

The Ta'an Kwach'an Council and the Kwanlin Dun First Nation have asked the Yukon Supreme Court for an injunction to block the government's land sale.

On Wednesday, Justice Ron Veale ordered a temporary halt to the bidding process until he hears the First Nations' application for the injunction.

Ta'an leaders say Fentie had promised them he would negotiate the potential sale of some land near Shipyards Park, in the area where the opening ceremonies for last year's Canada Winter Games were held.

But Ta'an deputy chief Gail Anderson said Fentie informed them last month that the government was selling that land to the highest bidder.

"We wrote a letter on July 4, asking the premier to postpone the tendering process and have discussions with us," Anderson told CBC News in an interview Wednesday. "We didn't receive any response from the premier."

Both the Ta'an Kwach'an and the Kwanlin Dun First Nation say their people have used the Whitehorse waterfront area for thousands of years.

Kwanlin Dun Chief Mike Smith said he remembers Fentie promising land sale talks with the Ta'an. He said he wants the court to hold Fentie to his earlier promise.

"The premier is totally ignoring that and is proceeding with the public sale," Smith said.

"If this is how he conducts business, it's obviously, you know, a very telling tale that this premier has no respect for First Nation governments."

Veale's order came less than 24 hours before the government was supposed to open bids for the waterfront land.

Yukon government lawyers have asked for more time to get instructions from Fentie on the matter. Veale gave them one week to do so.

Fentie could not be reached for comment Wednesday, as he was at the Council of the Federation meeting of premiers in Quebec.

LIKE IT?  LET OTHERS KNOW