A militarized RCMP raid of Wet’suwet’en territory appears “imminent” after talks broke down between First Nations leaders and the B.C. government over the construction of a $6.6 billion natural gas pipeline through unceded Indigenous land.

Tensions on a logging road leading to Wet’suwet’en land defender camps have been rising for a month since hereditary chiefs evicted Coastal GasLink pipeline workers from their lands.

Police set up a roadblock in mid-January limiting access to camps where Wet’suwet’en chiefs and supporters are asserting land rights, setting the stage for a possible repeat of a 2019 raid by militarized RCMP.

Last week a police helicopter was spotted for the first time circling the Wet’suwet’en watch camps and blockades, and land defenders say they saw an increase in police patrols through the area.

But even if a police raid happens as expected, Coastal GasLink won’t be able to start construction in the contested area for weeks unless it meets some outstanding conditions of an environmental assessment certificate, according to B.C.’s environment ministry.

Jason Slade, an environmental consultant working with a healing lodge on Wet’suwet’en land, told VICE there is no need for the police to enforce an injunction the way they did last year. “When (B.C. Premier John) Horgan says that all the authorizations have been granted, that’s patently untrue,” he said.

RCMP Raid of Wet’suwet’en Territory ‘Imminent’ As Pipeline Talks Break Down. Nearly 100 officers are positioned to enforce a court order making way for a pipeline through unceded Indigenous land. By Jesse Winter Feb 5 2020

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2/4/2020 Indigenous Youth for Wet’suwet’en Solidarity Rally

Outside Dan Vandals Office.

Rally today at 4:30 outside Minister of Northern Affairs Dan Vandal’s office in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en land defenders and hereditary chiefs. There are indigenous youth and allies PEACEFULLY occupying the office until a call, and a commitment to following demands are met. Come and support the youth inside. Bring your drums, rattles and solidarity. There is a sacred fire outside to send our prayers and give us strength for this occupation. We invite all supporters to join the fire at any given time.

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2/5/2020

Dozens of protesters gathered at the Winnipeg office of a member of Parliament Tuesday to voice their opposition to a pipeline in northern B.C.

The rally against the multibillion-dollar Coastal GasLink natural gas pipeline project was organized by a group calling themselves the Indigenous Youth for Wet’suwet’en. Protesters gathered Tuesday morning at the office of MP Dan Vandal, who is also minister of Northern Affairs, where they rallied outside and also sat peacefully inside, saying they are not leaving until they get a response from the MP.

The peaceful protest “is an action of solidarity to show that the world is watching … the actions being taken in B.C.,” said Emily Amos, a Prairie Cree and Coastal Salish protester.

The fact the pipeline is several provinces away is irrelevant, she said.
Emily Amos says Tuesday’s peaceful protest was a sign of solidarity. (Gary Solilak/CBC)

“If Wet’suwet’en territory becomes ruined by the construction that goes on out there, it could eventually travel to us, and then our entire land will be ruined.”

In a tweet sent Thursday, Vandal said he had “a productive conversation” with one of the protesters, and said he planned to follow up later this week.

The project has received approval from the province of B.C., and 20 First Nations band councils have signed agreements in support of the pipeline. But Wet’suwet’en hereditary leadership says band councils do not have authority over land outside of the reserve boundaries.

Winnipeg protesters rally at MP’s office in solidarity with northern B.C. pipeline opponents. Indigenous Youth for Wet’suwet’en rally against the Coastal GasLink pipeline, want response from MP Dan Vandal, CBC News · Posted: Feb 04, 2020

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Bear Creek Friends (Quaker) Meeting supports the Wet’suwet’en Peoples. January 26, 2020