March 20, 2025 – Buick, B.C. — Blueberry River First Nations (Blueberry) Council has
approved an exemption to the New Disturbance Cap for six PETRONAS Energy
Canada Ltd. (PETRONAS) development permits that are located within the Gundy
HV1C area (the Gundy). These permits form part of PETRONAS’ 2025 program for its
North Montney operations, and this decision relates to the 2023 Implementation
Agreement between Blueberry and the Province of B.C. (the IA).
BRFN Responds to Provincial Approval of NEBC Connector Project
Blueberry River First Nations (Blueberry) Council is pleased to have worked with NorthRiver Midstream Inc. (NorthRiver) and regulators towards the recently fast-tracked provincial approval of NorthRiver’s NEBC Connector Project.
BRFN Council Statement on Judicial Reviews
As the democratically elected Council for Blueberry River First Nations, we have taken an oath to uphold and comply with Blueberry’s bylaws and fulfill our duties and responsibilities as elected officials on behalf of our family groups and Nation.
Update on Implementation Agreement
In recent weeks, there has been media coverage and rumors which have spread misinformation and confusion related to the work happening under the 2023 Implementation Agreement between Blueberry River First Nations (Blueberry) and British Columbia (the province), and more specifically Blueberry’s role in reviewing and processing permit referrals for oil and gas activities.
Public Statement Regarding Blueberry River Resources
Over the last few months, a number of events have transpired involving Blueberry River Resources Ltd. (“BRR”), the economic development arm of Blueberry River First Nations (Blueberry), which was created in 2022 to manage economic opportunities for the Nation.
Statement Related to false media coverage regarding the removal of Councilor Shelley Gauthier
Media coverage on Friday, November 15, from Energetic City and CJDC-TV reporting that
Councillor Shelley Gauthier has been removed, is false. Councillor Gauthier has not been removed, and no proper formal application under Blueberry
River First Nations’ Custom Election Code has been submitted to Council.
Statement regarding the decision to remove Judy Desjarlais from office
Effective 12:00 p.m. MST, Tuesday, September 17, 2024, Judy Desjarlais has been removed from her role as Chief of Blueberry River First Nations (Blueberry) by the majority of Council.
This decision was not taken lightly, and was made with great care and consideration.
An independent investigation found that Judy Desjarlais engaged in conduct that violated the bylaws governing Blueberry. Based on these findings, and in accordance with the options laid out in Blueberry’s bylaws, the majority of Council made the difficult decision to remove Judy Desjarlais from office.
New Pre-Application Engagement Process for Oil & Gas Activities
BUICK, B.C., June 30, 2023 – Blueberry River First Nations (Blueberry) Chief and Council and the Blueberry Lands Department are happy to report that an important action as a result of the Blueberry Implementation Agreement is now taking place.
The January 2023 Blueberry River First Nations Implementation Agreement required the development of a new consultation process with Blueberry on oil and gas activities. Blueberry and the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) have collaborated on the new BRFN/BCER consultation process, including new information requirements and pre-application engagement expectations.
Five First Nations reach settlement with B.C., federal governments on Treaty Land Entitlement claims
On April 15, 2023, Blueberry River First Nations and four other B.C. Treaty 8 Nations, alongside provincial and federal government representatives, announced settlement agreements of the Nations’ Treaty Land Entitlements claims. The settlements resolve long-standing claims that these First Nations did not receive all the lands owed to them under Treaty 8, which they signed in 1899.
Blueberry River First Nations launches new brand and website
BUICK, B.C., March 8, 2023 – Blueberry River First Nations (Blueberry) has unveiled its new brand, which includes a modern logo and a new website: blueberryfn.com. The new brand elements symbolize Blueberry’s traditional and cultural way of life, while the new website is an important tool for communicating developments and updates to Blueberry members and the wider public at this exciting time for the Nation.
Province, Blueberry River First Nations Reach Agreement
The B.C. government and Blueberry River First Nations have reached a historic agreement that will guide them forward in a partnership approach to land, water and resource stewardship that ensures Blueberry River members can meaningfully exercise their Treaty 8 rights, and provide stability and predictability for industry in the region.
B.C. signs ‘historic’ deal with Blueberry River First Nations
A B.C. First Nation and provincial government have signed what’s being called a historic agreement towards jointly managing land, water and resource development.
The agreement, signed Wednesday with the Blueberry River First Nations in northeastern B.C., includes a $200-million restoration fund and timelines for plans to manage watersheds and oil and gas activities in parts of the First Nations’ claim area, which covers four per cent of the province.