A Calgary judge has ruled the Tsuu T'ina Nation is in contempt of court because the band has ignored a court order to switch utility services on in Black Bear Crossing.
Enmax crews are on standby and waiting for word to go onto the property and restore power.
The plumbing issue could take longer to resolve because the band claims the infrastructure is old. In the meantime, the band says it will provide bottled water and port-a-potties for the three remaining residents in Black Bear Crossing.
The band shut off power and water to the area in an attempt to force the elders out after the complex was slated for demolition. The elders say they are Tsuu T'ina members and should be given alternative housing like other band members who used to call the area home.
But the Tsuu T'ina Nation chief and council won't recognize the elder's residents' status because their mothers married men off the reserve. The elders say they are Tsuu T'ina members and should be given the same compensation as other band members.
The elders say Friday's court ruling is a win but the fight isn't over yet. "We've got a long road ahead, as far as the membership issue, but this is the first big step," says Patty Fraser, a spokesperson for the Black Bear Crossing residents.
Both sides will be back in court on Monday, when the band will find out the penalty it faces for defying the three previous court orders to restore utilities.
