Neighbouring First Nations Stand in Solidarity with Woodland Cree as Obsidian Energy Pushes for Arrests

The Woodland Cree Nation has been facing a difficult battle against Obsidian Energy, a Canadian oil and gas company, for years. The company has been pushing for the arrests of members of the Woodland Cree Nation who have been peacefully protesting against the company’s operations on their traditional lands. However, in a heartwarming show of support and solidarity, neighbouring First Nations have joined forces with the Woodland Cree to stand against Obsidian Energy’s actions.

The Woodland Cree Nation, located in northern Alberta, has been fighting to protect their land and water from the harmful effects of oil and gas development. They have been peacefully protesting and raising awareness about the negative impact of Obsidian Energy’s operations on their community and the environment. However, instead of listening to the concerns of the Woodland Cree, Obsidian Energy has chosen to use legal action and push for the arrests of those who are standing up for their rights.

But the Woodland Cree Nation is not alone in this fight. In a powerful display of unity, neighbouring First Nations have come together to support their brothers and sisters in their struggle against Obsidian Energy. The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, the Mikisew Cree First Nation, and the Fort McKay First Nation have all joined forces with the Woodland Cree to stand in solidarity and demand justice.

Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation expressed his support for the Woodland Cree, stating, “We stand with our brothers and sisters in the Woodland Cree Nation in their fight to protect their land and water. We will not stand by and watch as our rights are trampled upon by corporations who only care about their profits.”

The Mikisew Cree First Nation, whose traditional territory is also impacted by Obsidian Energy’s operations, has also shown their unwavering support for the Woodland Cree. Chief Archie Waquan stated, “We have a duty to protect our land and water for future generations. We will not let Obsidian Energy or any other company destroy our way of life.”

The Fort McKay First Nation, located downstream from the Woodland Cree, has also joined the fight against Obsidian Energy. Chief Mel Grandjamb stated, “We have seen the devastating effects of oil and gas development on our land and water. We stand with the Woodland Cree in their efforts to protect their territory and our shared environment.”

The show of solidarity from these neighbouring First Nations is a powerful message to Obsidian Energy and the Canadian government. It shows that the fight for Indigenous rights and protection of the environment is not just a battle for one community, but a united effort by all First Nations.

The Woodland Cree Nation has been fighting for their rights for far too long. They have been ignored and silenced by the government and corporations who only see dollar signs in their traditional territory. But with the support of their neighbouring First Nations, the Woodland Cree are not alone in their struggle.

The unity and strength shown by these First Nations is a reminder that when Indigenous communities come together, their voices cannot be ignored. It is a call to action for the Canadian government to listen to the concerns of Indigenous peoples and to hold corporations accountable for their actions.

The Woodland Cree Nation and their neighbouring First Nations are not just fighting for their own rights, but for the rights of all Indigenous peoples and for the protection of our planet. It is time for Obsidian Energy and the Canadian government to listen and take action before it’s too late.

In the words of Chief Adam, “We will continue to stand together and fight for our rights and the rights of future generations. We will not back down until justice is served.” The solidarity shown by these First Nations is a powerful force that cannot be ignored. Let us all stand with the Woodland Cree and their neighbours in their fight for justice and protection of the land and water.