[news] Rene & Boucher Lakes Threatened by Oil Companies

[ron]

this is from last week...

Subject: Emergency Action Message

FYI:

As you may be aware, the Saulteau and West Moberly First Nations have made
attempts through negotiations and in the courts to halt companies from
drilling for natural gas in area known as the Peace - Moberly Tract; a
critical wildlife refuge and cultural use area. In the BC Supreme Court,
Saulteau First Nation failed to convince Justice Cohen that comprehensive
enviornmental and cultural stuides were required prior to drilling. Vintage
Energy will not be in a postion to drill until next December under winter
conditions.

This week, community members of Saulteau and West Moberly First Nations
urged Saulteau to appeal the decision. In response, Vintage Energy notified
the two First Nations that they intended to proceed with the construction
of the access road and well site. It appears that this was done with the
purpose of rendering any further legal action moot.  Other companies such as
EnCana and Lousiana based, Peace River Corporation looking to access the
area to explore for and develop conventional and coal bed methane gas.

In the interim, community members have held meetings and decided to send
people out the Tract to support the elders and hunters already in the area
carrying out winter / spring bush activities. The majority of community
contractors have acted in unity with the band councils and community
members and have refused offers of employment and contract opportunities.
Community members have also set up check points at key access points around
the Peace - Moberly Tract.

Tensions are high and the community is awaiting any movement by Vintage or
other companies over the coming days and weeks.

A community member passed this message to me for distribution. Saulteau
First Nation will be issuing a Press Release in the coming days.


EMERGENCY ACTION MESSAGE

Februiary 24, 2004

Rene & Boucher Lakes Threatened by Oil Companies

Oil companies are hours away from building an access road into the Rene and
Boucher Lakes area: an important wildlife refuge, cultural and spiritual
use area for the People of Saulteau and West Moberly.

The first company, Vintage Energy, is about to move equipment into the area
to head off further legal action by the band councils and action by the
people.  They want to gain a foothold in the area so that they can begin a
massive program of drilling.  This will impact the People of Saulteau and
West Moberly's culture, way of life and rights guaranteed under Treaty 8. .

The band councils have used peaceful and legal means to prevent companies
from drilling until comprehensive environmental and cultural studies are
completed.  The companies have refused to wait and are forcing their way
into this precious area.

The People of Saulteau and West Moberly Lake ask for yout immediate
support, assistance and presence at the camp.  If our rights can threatened
by the oil companies, so can yours. Act in support and in unity.  Please
join us at our cultural camp at the Rene and Boucher Lakes area.

Travel to the Saulteau reserve and you will be proivded directions.  The
Saulteau reserve is located between Hudson's Hope and Chetwyn, BC at
Moberly Lake on Highway 29.

The People of Saulteau and West Moberly