CADOTTE
LAKE, AB, May 6, 2024 /CNW/ - Woodland Cree
First Nation is formally notifying Obsidian Energy Ltd. and their
shareholders that the proposed expansion of their drilling
operations on their Traditional Territory has been rejected by the
WCFN and its Chief and Council.
"WCFN is known across the energy sector as one of the most
business-friendly nations in the province and in the country. We
support responsible resource development, and enthusiastically
partner with companies that are willing to comply with their legal
obligations," said Chief Isaac
Laboucan-Avirom. "However, the conduct of Obsidian Energy
and their staff has been the worst we have ever seen from a
company. The business practices and intimidation tactics of their
executives has made it impossible for us to allow their expansion
to proceed."
"Canada is a signatory
to UNDRIP, Treaty 8 and other historical and statutory
requirements which guarantee that our Indigenous Rights and title
are respected when projects like this are proposed. Obsidian and
their CEO Stephen Loukas, being run
by people out of Greenwich,
Connecticut, does not seem to understand this. We vehemently
reject their most recent misleading and dishonest media release. If
they want to work in our territory, they're going to have to do
that work with respect for the people and the land in which they
want to work." said Chief Laboucan-Avirom.
As this is a material development of a publicly traded company,
we expect Obsidian Energy Ltd. to notify their shareholders
immediately.
SOURCE Woodland Cree First Nation