The Kitchenuhmaysoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation band of northern Ontario in Canada has refused to allow De Beers to explore for diamonds on its traditional land, the Toronto Star reports.

According to the report, the diamond company wants to search for diamonds near Big Trout Lake.

KI Chief Donny Morris said his people saw "real clear danger" in the threat of mining activity on their territory. In an open letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Dalton McGuinty, the KI stressed that it "will not and cannot consent" to any diamond exploration "at this stage."

In 2007, leaders of the KI band met officials from the Platinex mining company and refused them access to the band's land, which resulted in Platinex suing the KI for $10 billion and six KI leaders being jailed for refusal to comply with the court order that gave Platinex permission to begin exploration operations.

The KI leaders were released after serving two months of their six-month sentence.