Chief and council of the Blueberry River First Nations are pushing back against the blockade organized by some band members.
Some members are blocking 260 Road north of Fort St. John for the second day in a row. The road leads to a worksite related to construction of the NEBC Connector project operated by NorthRiver Midstream.
Blueberry River First Nations told CJDC-TV News in a statement that the Chief and council are aware that members are unhappy with current contract agreements.
However, the First Nation says: “We do not support escalating situations without first addressing Chief and Council as a whole, to give them the opportunity to respond and address concerns like this.”
The Nation adds council will be working with project proponents and member-owned businesses to create a system that works fairly to everyone. It says it wants to respect members while upholding its commitments to industry.
A press release issued Monday by Matt Lamont, a registered band member of BRFN, is alleging some companies negotiate directly with individual trapline holders, inflating equipment rates, steering contracts, and in some cases bypassing permits.
Lamont said the current way of conducting business does not benefit the whole community and called for more transparency and fairness. He said the blockade will continue until further notice.
-Noah Abel CJDC
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