Banned from Bigstone Cree Nation: Multi-national companies

effectiveresistance:

Frustration with multi-national oil, gas and forestry companies has led Bigstone Cree Nation to plan drastic action.

On March 13, “border security” will be erected at the intersection of highways 754 and 813 within treaty entitlement lands. Access will be denied to CNRL, Husky, Cenovus, Laricina, Exact Oilfield, Alstar Oilfield, ALPAC and all log haulers, according to BCN’s website.

The action is being undertaken for political, environmental and economical reasons.

“This is not something that just came up in the last two days. This is a last resort … this is not chief and council’s first choice,” said Troy Stuart, BCN’s land manager. “Some of these discussions have been … outstanding in years.”

A building has been erected at the intersection, and border security will be manned by at least six people 24/7 “for the foreseeable future,” said Stuart. “They’re under strict protocol from Bigstone Cree Nation.”

Kim Guttormson, with Husky Energy, said the company is also aware of the planned action. “We’d be respectful,” she said, “but I really can’t speculate on something that hasn’t happened yet.”