Lubicon band sues

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The Lubicon band is suing McKnight for failing to order an environmental study on the proposed Daishowa pulp mill.

The Japanese forest products company was given government approval and financial assistance to begin a $500-million pulp mill operation which involves cutting down trees on land claimed by the Lubicon band.

The band charges McKnight's trust responsibility as Indian Affairs minister conflicts with his duties as minister in charge of Western Economic Diversification. The band, in a letter to the prime minister, has also called for the federal minister's resignation.

Lubicon Chief Bernard Ominayak met last week with a senior Daishowa official who was sympathetic with the band's situation.

"Daishowa appears to want to be a good corporate citizenwe were able to hear each others concerns," Ominayak is quoted as saying in an Edmonton Journal report.