Police are currently at a blockade of an oil lease road in northern Alberta, but they have stated that they are not enforcing an injunction for members of a local Canadian First Nation, Woodland Cree, to vacate the area.
“We are aware of the situation, and we have dispatched resources to speak with both parties,” said RCMP Cpl. Mathew Howell. “We have not taken enforcement action. Our aim is to facilitate dialogue between both parties.”
Earlier this week, a judge issued an injunction requiring members of the Woodland Cree First Nation, located northeast of Alberta’s Peace River in Northern Sunrise County, to clear a road used by Calgary, Canada-based Obsidian Energy.
The blockade was initially set up in February, with Obsidian Energy stating that it requires access to the road to carry out maintenance on a pipeline site.
“This work is time-sensitive as it must be completed prior to break-up and the imposition of road bans,” stated court documents filed by Obsidian.
Meanwhile the Woodland Cree stand in defiance of the court decision, as evidenced by videos posted on Facebook.
Chief Isaac Laboucan-Avirom explained that the dispute began last year when Obsidian announced plans for approximately 200 new wells without consulting the band in advance.
“They do have an obligation to consult with us,” he said, speaking from the blockade site where protesters were finishing lunch. “In meaningful consultation, you start out in a respectful way — not by saying, ‘We’re going to do this whether you like it or not.'”
Laboucan-Avirom emphasized that the band is not opposed to development and has agreements with other energy companies in the area. However, he expressed concerns about their traditional territory becoming heavily developed and raised questions about potential earthquake activity caused by Obsidian’s operations.
“We still haven’t received clarity on this,” said the chief. “Will this impact our groundwater?”
In March 2023, the Alberta Energy Regulator issued an environmental protection order against Obsidian for causing a series of earthquakes, including the largest recorded tremor in the province’s history.
Obsidian contends that it has a right to the road and asserts that the site is not on the band’s reserve.
Company spokeswoman Susan Soprovich referenced a statement from February, suggesting that the band is attempting to monopolize work at Obsidian’s sites.
Obsidian CEO Stephen Loukas stated, “We cannot accept their unrealistic terms that amount to a monopolistic relationship… In addition to limiting our ability to operate independently in the area, their proposal is not beneficial to our stakeholders.”
Laboucan-Avirom refuted accusations of seeking a monopoly, stating, “Why do they have to exaggerate? We appreciate good healthy competition.”
He noted that Obsidian is threatening to withhold work from band members to pressure its leadership into concessions.
“We’re not going to be intimidated on our own land,” Laboucan-Avirom affirmed, stating that the band remains open to dialogue. “I don’t want another take it or leave it.”