June 18, 2012 - 4:21 PM
VICTORIA - Tla'amin (Tla-A-min) First Nation Chief Clint Williams says a court injunction application is in the works to remove a protest blockade at a treaty office near Powell River.
Aboriginal protesters from the First Nation also known as Sliammon who are upset with a proposed treaty used vehicles on the weekend to prevent fellow band members from voting on a land-claims treaty with the provincial and federal governments.
Williams says the blockade is still up at the Salish Centre and about a half dozen people at the treaty office and a development corporation can't go to work.
He says he wants the blockade to come down and he wants a new treaty vote held as soon as possible.
Powell River RCMP Staff Sgt. Andy Brinton says the Mounties are meeting with both sides to ensure the dispute remains peaceful, but so far, the blockade remains, barring court orders.
B.C. aboriginal relations and reconciliation minister Mary Polak says she wants to make sure any rescheduled vote includes measures to prevent further disruptions.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012