December 13, 2013 - 9:55 AM
LITTLE BUFFALO, Alta. - A dispute between the Lubicon First Nation and a Calgary oil company over access to land is heating up in northern Alberta.
The Lubicons, who have been blocking an access road to a PennWest Exploration (TSX:PWT) drilling site since late November, are warning four other energy companies they may face similar action.
PennWest says it will ask a Calgary judge today for an injunction forcing the protesters to open the road.
The Lubicon First Nation has already asked for an injunction against PennWest to stop it from drilling.
The First Nation has an unsettled land claim and is suing Ottawa to try to get a reserve.
An election last February produced a split between the First Nation and the Lubicon Lake Band, which is the group recognized by the federal government.
The Lubicon Lake Band does not support the blockade.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2013