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A Peigan band councillor says he feels "pretty good" about the recent Calgary court decision which declared the province's construction permits for Oldman River dam invalid.
The ruling stated that the province failed to get written permission for the dam from the district of Pincher Creek where the dam site is situated, or from the federal and provincial ministers of highways.
Leander Strikes With A Gun says he met with the Friends of the Oldman River Dec. 8. The group recently took the dam issue to court.
The society has "the blessing and support of the Peigan band, and Strikes With A Gun added that the environment group in turn supports the band "one hundred per cent."
The Peigan Indians are opposed to the building of the dam because it will destroy ancient burial grounds, tipi rings, and medicine wheels.
"I don't think it's right," said Strikes With A Gun adding that Peigan Elders are also opposed to the construction of the dam.
In Flanders Field . . . "if I came along and flooded the whole area, how would people look at me?" he asked.
The Oldman River has both cultural and spiritual importance for the Peigan Indians.
According to Blackfoot legend, the Oldman River valley was the playground of Napi, a trickster/teacher, and for centuries people travelling through the valley would leave a stone for good luck in the Old Man's honor.
The Peigan band is situated downstream from the dam site which is six miles from the western border of the reserve.
The band has launched a federal court case to acquire the rights to water flowing onto their land.
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