Norcen won't re-open oil wells

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Norcen Energy has agreed not to re-open its 18 oil wells on traditional Lubicon land, says Chief Bernard Ominayak. He said Norcen agreed to leave the wells idle in light of the most recent breakdown in land-claim negotiations with the federal and Alberta governments. Norcen had said it wanted to re-open the wells shut down Nov. 30, because the company needs the revenue. Band adviser Fred Lennarson suggested the violent confrontation between police and Mohawk Indians at Oka, Quebec likely influenced the company's decision. The Lubicons hoped closing the wells would help pressure the federal government to reach a settlement in the long-standing dispute over the establishment of a reserve. The Lubicon will decide within 30 days what their next step will be, Ominayak said. He ruled out violent action, but added: "One thing is for sure, we just can't afford to sit back and wait for either government to do something."