Tying up this project is a ridiculous exercise in futility. The company has every legal right to be there, as it is on crown land, and since the general practice up until now in other jurisdictions AND in NB has demonstrated the right of the province to determine who has access to crown land and the resources found below. Those licenses have been granted, and the bands have no right to prevent the oil and gas companies from accessing their equipment.
The concerns they claim to have can be resolved peacefully in court, through discussions, and appropriate negotiations - violence isn't the answer.
Since the companies in question have been prevented access to equipment that they own, I do believe the police were right to intervene and allow that access. The violent nature of the clash simply lends credibility to the government and oil companies position.
:orly: