Band members and contractors from Blueberry River First Nations began a road blockade Monday morning north of Fort St. John.
The group is blocking a road leading to a worksite related to construction of the NEBC Connector project. The NEBC Connector project is designed to connect NorthRiver Midstream’s Highway Liquids Hub, northwest of Wonowon, to the Gordondale area of Alberta.
Band members were denying workers access to the site Monday on 260 Road off Highway 97 at NorthRiver Access 33a.
A press release issued by Matt Lamont, a registered band member of BRFN, claims some companies negotiate directly with individual trapline holders, inflating equipment rates, steering contracts, and in some cases bypassing permits.
According to Lamont, only one firm was hired to work on the NEBC Connector project, leading to “minimal Blueberry participation.”
“Many firms, such as M&M Resources, operate as privately held businesses rather than member-owned or joint ventures,” the release reads.
Lamont alleges Fort St. John-based M&M Resources has taken on the majority of the logging, grading, and clearing work, hiring only one trapline holder.
“This is not benefiting the nation or the community at all, but just one trapline holder,” Lamont said.
Lamont adds he hopes the blockade will bring NorthRiver Midstream back to the table to discuss a fair and transparent way to move forward.
“Community members are calling for clearer, enforceable policies that ensure honesty, fairness and trust,” the release said.
NorthRiver Midstream told CJDC-TV News in a statement the company is aware of and closely monitoring the situation.
“Our company has a strong track record of building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities and creating opportunities for local and Indigenous people to participate in our projects,” the statement stated.
The company added it remains in communication with community representatives and is hopeful the matter can be resolve through respectful engagement and open communication.
Lamont says the blockade is initially focused on NorthRiver Midstream, but he believes the issue extends to other major projects and companies.
In January 2023, the First Nation reached a landmark agreement with the provincial government to safeguard treaty rights, reduce industrial impacts, and enhance community control over permitting.
“The agreement emphasizes transparency, community participation, and cultural and environmental preservation, allowing existing permits to remain active during transition and preventing personal gain from development delays,” the release said.
Lamont says community unrest comes from the lack of clear information and support for advocacy, leading to a disconnect between external companies and First Nation businesses.
Lamont adds companies need to open their books to the Nation. The release said, “Our Nations leadership need to step in and set clear rules, auditing financial records of incentives paid by joint ventures to trapline holders.”
A few months ago, other members told CJDC-TV News they were planning a roadblock on Highway 97, but Lamont says they won’t block the highway unless law enforcement is involved.
CJDC-TV News reached out to M&M Resources for comment but did not receive a response by publication time. CJDC-TV News is still waiting to here from Blueberry River First Nations for comments.
Lamont says the majority of band members plan to return Tuesday morning to continue the blockade and will not stop until further notice.
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