First Nation checkpoints target resource removal

The Bigstone Cree Nation has set up border security on highways 754 and 813 to monitor who is removing resources from traditional land beginning March 14, according to a public notice.

Bigstone Cree Nation Chief Gordon T. Auger and land manager Troy Stuart sent advance notice in a letter to provincial Indigenous Relations Minister Richard Feehan on Feb. 20 that the nation will set up the checkpoints in accordance with Treaty 8, signed in 1899.

“We have tried many routes of civil means to end the unjust enrichment of multinational corporations such as Canadian Natural Resources and Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries,” the letter states. “This unanimous decision is not taken lightly, nor is it the first choice of action normally undertaken by this nation. We would have preferred the oil/ gas and forestry companies had honoured Bigstone Cree Nation’s offers of participation and mutual prosperity.”

On Wednesday, the RCMP issued a news release on behalf of the Desmaris detachment stating the police were monitoring the checkpoints — one at Highway 813 north of Calling Lake marker 71, and the other on Highway 754, 12 kilometres west of Desmaris.

“The RCMP respects and protects the right to peaceful demonstrations as guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” the news release said. “In circumstances where people gather peacefully to express themselves on an issue, a simple police presence can be enough to ensure order and protect the fundamental freedoms of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.”

The nation has entry and no-entry lists, but has stated it will not deny entry to local people, local government and agencies.

On Feb. 7, Bigstone Cree Nation issued a statement of concern against Canadian Natural Resources and Husky Energy.

Bigstone Cree First Nation is about 320 km north of Edmonton.