Lubicon Lake Nation responds to charges against Plains Midstream Canada for pipeline break in Lubicon Territory: Possibly too little too late

LITTLE BUFFALO, AB, April 26, 2013 /CNW/ - The Government of the Lubicon Lake Nation has become aware of three charges filed today by the Government of Alberta against pipeline operator Plains Midstream Canada in connection to the 2011 pipeline break which resulted in the spilling of 4.5 million litres of oil into a valuable Lubicon wetland. While the Lubicon Lake Nation is pleased with the filing of these charges against the operator, we note that the charges are based on the same information that was provided by Lubicon officials to Alberta officials after the spill in 2011 and on repeated occasions since.

Chief Bernard Ominayak told Lubicon officials this morning: "This is obviously a positive development, but we will have to follow this situation as it unfolds to see if it results in any real penalties or changes in the way pipeline companies operate." When asked earlier about the challenges faced by the Nation in the aftermath of the spill Chief Ominayak responded: "Our Elders made it very clear by telling us: 'Never Let Our Land Die'. Our primary focus has always been and must continue to be honoring that commitment and monitoring new development applications closely to ensure the ongoing environmental safety of our lands despite efforts by government to cut the Lubicon out of that consultation process."

The Government of the Lubicon Lake Nation is a sovereign Nation within what is now Alberta, which has never signed treaty with Canada or the British crown ceding its rights over and title to its lands. The Lubicon Lake Nation continues to be governed By Chief Bernard Ominayak, the Council and Elders' Council in accordance with the Nations' traditional laws and customs in accordance with their right to self-determination.

SOURCE: Lubicon Lake Nation

Garrett Tomlinson, EMT
Communications / Industry Liaison
Lubicon Lake Nation
P.O. Box 6731 Stn. Main
Peace River, AB T8S1S5
[phone] Office
[phone] Direct
[phone] Fax
[email protected]
www.LubiconLakeNation.com