LA LOCHE, Sask. (CP)
June 21, 2007
The Clearwater River Dene Nation has blocked a road to prevent an oilsands exploration company from working on their land.
Residents of the community erected the blockade Thursday morning.
They say talks have broken off between Oilsands Quest Inc., and the First Nation regarding exploration.
Chief Roy Cheecham says talks between the two sides have been growing further apart.
Officials want First Nation residents to be more involved with oilsands production on their land, including more jobs.
Cheecham says the First Nation will keep the blockades up until a deal can be reached with the province and Oilsands Quest.
Oilsands Quest, formerly known as CanWest Petroleum Corp., has its corporate headquarters in Calgary.
Its website says its emphasis is on oilsands and shale exploration in Western Canada.
It says it is awaiting approval to resume drilling and expects to drill up to 40 wells.
The reserve is about 600 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon.