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Aboriginal community opposes oil sands projects in northwestern Alberta
An aboriginal community in the Peace River area of northwestern Alberta will oppose all projects in the emerging oil sands region until it gets a proper hearing from the Canadian and Alberta governments.
The Woodland Cree, contending they have not been properly consulted by the two levels of government, are demanding the two levels of government take steps to “accommodate our rights and interests.”
The first test case involves Shell Canada’s application to expand its Carmon Creek project, designed to increase production from 12,500 barrels per day to 100,000 bpd.
Woodland Chief William Whitehead said in a statement that his community will “take any and all necessary legal steps to challenge” Shell’s application which is before the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, although no hearing dates have been set.
Woodland Cree want regional planning process The First Nation is calling for a regional planning process to examine the cumulative impact of development and study the health, water and wildlife.
Shell Canada, now a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, insists it has always worked closely with groups in the Peace River area over 25 years of operating in the region.
However, the Woodland Cree say they have requested meetings with the two governments without receiving a reply.
Another new oil sands play is also facing aboriginal blockade in northwestern Saskatchewan.
The Clearwater River Dene Nation said talks with Oilsands Quest over a jobs and contracts agreement have fallen through.
Oilsands Quest said that although its operations continue it is consulting with the Saskatchewan government and hopes for “some positive action.”
—Gary Park
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