Court Injunction Granted Against Woodland Cree First Nation Camp
Susan v.H. Thompson
Peace River
May 6, 2024
Chief Isaac Laboucan-Avirom and council of the Woodland Cree First Nation (WCFN) say a court injunction has been granted against their camp near an Obsidian Energy Ltd. site in the South Harmon Valley oil patch.
Chief and council are waiting to be officially served with the injunction, but they say they’re not leaving willingly. Camp members are preparing to be arrested.
In a press release issued today, WCFN said they are formally notifying Obsidian Energy Ltd. and their shareholders that the proposed expansion of their drilling operations on their Traditional Territory has been rejected by the WCFN and its Chief and Council.
“WCFN is known across the energy sector as one of the most business-friendly nations in the province and in the country. We support responsible resource development, and enthusiastically partner with companies that are willing to comply with their legal obligations,” says Chief Isaac Laboucan-Avirom.
“However, the conduct of Obsidian Energy and their staff has been the worst we have ever seen from a company. The business practices and intimidation tactics of their executives has made it impossible for us to allow their expansion to proceed.”
Other First Nations have started to arrive at the camp in support. Lubicon Lake Nation and Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation have both raised their flags next to the WCFN flag. Representatives of other nations are expected to arrive soon.
Local contractors from the surrounding area including non-indigenous truckers have also started joining the camp, parking their trucks and equipment along the road.
Two truckers at the camp both say WCFN didn’t ask them to come. Instead their companies offered their support.
The mood at the camp remains jovial but expectant, with people playing horseshoes, cooking dinner and trading stories of past arrests around the fire.
K Division police liaisons from Grande Prairie stopped by for the second time to ensure everything is lawful and there are no incidents, which they are there to mediate if needed. The main road is being kept open so industrial traffic is still able to pass by the camp.
More as this story develops.