Statement from the CSRC RRRT – Wet’suwet’en
The Right Relations Resource Team stands in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en people, who are defending their lands and waters against the Coastal Gaslink Pipeline. The Coastal Gaslink Pipeline project lacks the consent of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs, a direct violation to the right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent – an essential part of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
It is especially concerning that aggressive actions are being carried out in the interests of a fossil fuel company aiming to build a pipeline under the Wedzin Kwa (Morice River) that is sacred to the Wet’suwet’en and sustains many animal and plant species essential to survival.
We condemn the violent raids and militarized behaviour by heavily armed police that resulted in the arrests of both Indigenous leaders and members of the media.
It is further concerning that this comes at a time when many communities in British Columbia are suffering from the effects of extreme weather linked to climate change.
We call on the Province of BC and the Federal government to direct RCMP and Coastal Gas Link to stand down and leave the territory immediately in order to return to non-violent and diplomatic negotiations with Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs.
Lisa Blais, Team Lead
Right Relations Resource Team of the Canadian Shield Regional Council
The CSRC’s Right Relations Resource Team (RRRT) would like you to have access to a letter that was sent to Prime Minster Trudeau, Premier John Horgan, Minister Marc Miller and Minister Murray Rankin. This letter was sent by The North Bay and Area Indigenous Solidarity Team. Below you will find the letter in its entirety and then below that, a button where you may download a copy of the letter to use as a template.
Click on the button to the right to download a copy.
