Quakers, social justice and revolution

Wet’suwet’en Peoples’ Leadership

Posted on February 11, 2020 by Jeff Kisling

Our perception of time is dynamic. A year can feel like a day, or a day a year. I am surprised this morning as I look back over what I’ve written about the Wet’suwet’en peoples to find only one month elapsed.

I first learned about the Wet’suwet’en people when I read that Hereditary First Nation chiefs issued an eviction notice to Coastal GasLink (CGL) contractors. I didn’t know anything about the Wet’suwet’en people, Hereditary chiefs, or the Coastal GasLink project.

My objective is to share what I have learned and why I think it is important for us to support the work of the Wet’suwet’en peoples on behalf of all of us.

The territory of the Wet’suwet’en peoples is in British Columbia. There are Hereditary Chiefs for each of the five clans that make up the Wet’suwet’en territory, whose authority has been handed down for generations.

The Coastal GasLink pipeline, if constructed, would transfer natural gas from the Dawson Creek area to a Liquid Natural Gas (LND) port near Kitimat on the Canadian Pacific coast. The Wet’suwet’en territory is between the natural gas and tar sands sources, and Kitimat.

The online post about the eviction included a video showing Unist’ot’en spokesperson and founder, Freda Huson, going to the temporary housing for the pipeline construction workers and delivering the eviction notice. The few workers there left the site.

I’ve spent years working to stop pipelines. We tried to find a way to stop fossil fuel extraction, refinement and shipping, but what would be a target? The fossil fuel infrastructure is so vast. Then the Keystone XL pipeline was proposed. Since it would cross the international border between Canada and the U.S., the permit required approval by the President. Here was finally a target to organize around. We worked to apply pressure on President Obama to deny the permit, which he eventually did. Although Mr. Trump approved the permit, construction is still stalled for various reasons.

Some of the lessons we learned included the need for a very specific target, how to use the Internet to recruit organizers and participants and apply pressure by showing the dangers of pipelines, training everyone how to participate in nonviolent direct actions, and the importance of building coalitions with as many groups as possible. An example is the Cowboy and Indian Alliance.

But I had never seen a face to face meeting between the representatives of a pipeline company and those opposing it. It was so powerful to see Freda Huson do just that. And that the pipeline personnel actually left, though I’m sure they expected the eviction to be short lived.

Our culture and our tradition is the land. We are directly connected to the land. It’s our spirituality. We cannot be forced to be away from our land.
Nine days since we took the land back.
It feels like something you don’t normally do. (laughter) Its revolutionary, right?
I don’t think anyone’s ever really evicted like a 6 billion dollar pipeline before.
People get confused about what we want as Native people. Like “what do you want?”
Just like, “land back!”. Don’t need any reconciliation, don’t want money, like I don’t want programs or funding or whatever.
(whispers “land back”)
Funny though, when I said that to my Dad, Wet’suwet’en people, if you tell them about LANDBACK, they’re like “we never lost the land, anyway.” Which is true.
Wet’suwet’en have never given up title to their 22,000 square kilometer territory.
from a video of Wet’suwet’en Indigenous youth

The multiple videos the Wet’suwet’en peoples produced since the first one I saw, about the eviction, all show two things. One is the spiritual power and peace of the interactions involving the Wet’suwet’en. Their beautiful ceremonies. The unshakable faith they will prevail.

The second is the awesome beauty of their lands and waters. I trace my environmental passion and activism to a vision I had as a teenager in 1970. I moved to Indianapolis before catalytic converters where in use and was distraught by the foul smelling clouds of exhaust. My vision was the horror of finding my beloved Rocky Mountains obscured in clouds of smog. I decided to give up owning a car and work to protect Mother Earth since. When I saw the beauty of the Wet’suwet’en lands I had a similar vision, this time of those lands torn up to build a pipeline, a black snake. I want to do what I can to prevent that.

We should not be building any more fossil fuel infrastructure nor extracting fossil fuels now. The multiple threats to Mother Earth become more evident with every passing day. It is crucial that we leave fossil fuels in the ground. These pipelines must not be built across the Wet’suwet’en territories or anywhere else.

In recent years I have become much more aware of the intersection of corporate capitalism and environment devastation. Capitalism continues to encourage corporations to extract and profit from fossil fuels even as the evidence of environmental devastation can no longer be denied. The endless appetite of consumerism drives a wasteful throwaway economy.

And aware of the fact that the US military is the largest consumer of fossil fuels. I recently read there would no longer be energy based wars if we got away from fossil fuels.

I don’t think a capitalist economy based on fossil fuel extraction, or the vast economic and fossil fuel waste and emissions of military forces, which guarantee armed conflicts, reflect the values of most of us.

“The decolonizing that needs to take place, both the education and the healing, are matters of urgency to the survival of the human species and the health of the Earth as Mother of us All.” https://www.decolonizingquakers.org/

I mentioned my goal is to explain why I think it is important for us to support the work of the Wet’suwet’en peoples on behalf of all of us. But we can only do so if we are aware of what it means to be an ally of Indigenous peoples. Seriously, you will not help, nor will you be welcome, if you attempt to provide leadership. It takes some time to appreciate why that is, but while you are learning you need to be seen, not heard.

“If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”
Lilla Watson

The following comes from a YouTube video of Harsha Walia speaking about Anti-Oppression, Decolonization, and Responsible Allyship.

All people not indigenous to North America who are living on this continent are settlers on stolen land. We acknowledge that Canada, the United States of America, Mexico, and Central & South America were founded through genocide and colonization of indigenous peoples–which continues today and from which settlers directly benefit.
All settlers do not benefit equally from the settler-colonial state, nor did all settlers emigrate here of their own free will. Specifically, we see slavery, hetero-patriarchy, white supremacy, market imperialism, and capitalist class structures as among the primary tools of colonization. These tools divide communities and determine peoples’ relative access to power. Therefore, anti-oppression solidarity between settler communities is necessary for decolonization. We work to build anti-colonial movements that actively combat all forms of oppression.
We acknowledge that settlers are not entitled to live on this land. We accept that decolonization means the revitalization of indigenous sovereignty, and an end to settler domination of life, lands, and peoples in all territories of the so-called “Americas.” All decisions regarding human interaction with this land base, including who lives on it, are rightfully those of the indigenous nations.
As settlers and non-native people (by which we mean non-indigenous to this hemisphere) acting in solidarity, it is our responsibility to proactively challenge and dismantle colonialist thought and behavior in the communities we identify ourselves to be part of. As people within communities that maintain and benefit from colonization, we are intimately positioned to do this work.
We understand that allies cannot be self-defined; they must be claimed by the people they seek to ally with. We organize our solidarity efforts around direct communication, responsiveness, and accountability to indigenous people fighting for decolonization and liberation.
We are committed to dismantling all systems of oppression, whether they are found in institutional power structures, interpersonal relationships, or within ourselves. Individually and as a collective, we work compassionately to support each other through these processes. Participation in struggle requires each of us to engage in both solidarity and our own liberation: to be accountable for all privileges carried, while also struggling for liberation from internalized and/or experienced oppression. We seek to build a healthy culture of resistance, accountability, and sustenance.

There will be things that you are asked to do. Often on Facebook pages you will be asked to share things posted there with your own friends and networks.

Another very specific example follows:

TAKE TO THE STREETS!

Solidarity Actions are being aggregated at this Facebook page:
INTERNATIONAL MOBILIZATION EVENT PAGE

GET ON THE PHONE!

Call your friends, family and neighbours to let them know about the nearest demonstration or action and call the politicians responsible for the ongoing genocide against the Wet’suwet’en people. Let them know what you think about Indigenous people’s being violently removed from their lands.

MAKE A PHONE CALL TO SUPPORT WET’SUWET’EN

B.C. GOVERNMENT:

John Horgan (Premier)
(250) 387-1715

YOU CAN SAY

I’m calling to ask that your government uphold your commitment to the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and respect Wet’suwet’en Law by withdrawing the RCMP trom Wet’suwefen Nation and canceling Coastal GasLinks permits.

I was horrified when heavily-armed RCMP officers forcibly removed Wet’suwet•en people from their own territory last year. and want to make Sure your government doesn’t let this happen today.

All five Clans at the Wet•suwet’en have rejected all pipelines. Coastal GasLink’s proposed pipeline does not have free, prior, and informed consent from the Wet•suwet’en. CoastalGasLink and the RCMP are trespassing on sovereign land.

When I read the above request, I spoke about it at my small Quaker Meeting, Bear Creek Friends, that is in the Iowa countryside. Many members have been involved in agriculture and care about protecting Mother Earth. A number of Friends have various relationships with Indigenous peoples. Some Friends have worked to protect water and to stop the construction of fossil fuel pipelines in the United States, such as the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines. The Meeting approved sending the following letter to British Columbia Premier, John Horgan.

John Horgan.
PO BOX 9041 STN PROV GOVT
VICTORIA, BC V8W 9E1.
Email premier@gov.bc.ca

John Horgan,

We’re concerned that you are not honoring the tribal rights and unceded Wet’suwet’en territories and are threatening a raid instead.
We ask you to de-escalate the militarized police presence, meet with the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs, and hear their demands:
That the province cease construction of the Coastal Gaslink Pipeline project and suspend permits.
That the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and tribal rights to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) are respected by the state and RCMP.
That the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and associated security and policing services be withdrawn from Wet’suwet’en lands, in agreement with the most recent letter provided by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimiation’s (CERD) request.
That the provincial and federal government, RCMP and private industry employed by Coastal GasLink (CGL) respect Wet’suwet’en laws and governance system, and refrain from using any force to access tribal lands or remove people.

Bear Creek Monthly Meeting of Friends (Quakers)
19186 Bear Creek Road, Earlham, Iowa, 50072

We also sent the letter to the Des Moines Register but it was not published.

Another thing we did to educate people in Des Moines was to hold a vigil with signs about the Wet’suwet’en. Included below are images from two justice organization that helped spread the word about our vigil, Bold Iowa and Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement. Make use of similar organizations in your area.

This struggle of the Wet’suwet’en peoples will continue. This provides a focus for actions on Indigenous Rights and against fossil fuel extraction, similar to the way Keystone XL did several years ago.

Those of us who want to be allies should help those we do this work with locally understand what that means. We should continue to monitor what is happening on the ground in Canada, and work to educate our own networks. Provide what help is asked of us by the Wet’suwet’en peoples.

“We make conscious decisions to either sit back and watch, or stand up and be heard.

We make choices as to whether protect our future generations, or we allow for a destitute future for them.

We make choices as to enter the uncomfortable place of change & movement, or we continue on this downward spiral.

What will your choice be?

Will you sit back and allow for human rights violations to occur, or will you #RiseUp with us?”
Wet’suwete’n Access Point at Gidemt’en
https://www.facebook.com/wetsuwetenstrong/

Posted in #NDAPL, civil disobedience, climate change, decolonize, Indigenous, Quaker, Quaker Meetings, Uncategorized, Unist'ot'en, Wet’suwet’en | 2 Comments

Solidarity continues 2.10.2020

Posted on February 10, 2020 by Jeff Kisling

Community of Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw Rallies Behind Wet’suwet’en

Community of Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw Rallies Behind Wet’suwet’en

Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw Traditional Leadership call on Horgan to honour UNDRIP in support of the Wet’suwet’en who are being forcefully removed from their traditional land.

Image may contain: one or more people, people standing, crowd and outdoor, possible text that says 'We may be from many bands, We may be from many tribes, We may be from many clans, We may be from many nations, TOGETHER WE ARE ONE PEOPLE! DEFEND THE SACRED'

Image may contain: 3 people, people smiling, possible text that says 'Jess Housty @jesshousty If you have any words of support for these young women tweet me and I'll share it with them. It's cold and they've been locked at the RCMP down outdoors for about 3 hours. They're committed to be here until they're heard. Standing up for our Wet'suwet'en relatives. PO Solidardy Suwetén 9:46 p.m. P 10 Feb. 20 Twitter for iPhone'

Please consider sharing words of support and solidarity with the brave young Haiłzaqv women who have locked themselves to RCMP vehicles at the Bella Bella detachment in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en:
https://twitter.com/jesshousty/status/1227061347843629057?s=19

Anti-pipeline demonstrators march in support of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs in Vancouver on Monday. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

One of the hundreds of protesters who marched in Vancouver on Monday. Small protests have emerged across Canada in support of the Wet’suwet’ens fight against a gas pipeline. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

Hours after police arrested dozens of protesters for blockading port entrances in Vancouver and Delta, B.C., marches were held in Vancouver and Victoria in support of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation and its fight against a pipeline.
In Victoria, protesters blocked the Johnson Street and Bay Street bridges during afternoon rush hour while, in Vancouver, police warned drivers to expect delays as demonstrators blocked intersections and marched through the downtown core.
In recent days, small-scale protests have emerged across Canada in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en hereditary leaders’ opposition to the construction of a gas pipeline through their traditional territory in northern B.C. Over the weekend, the RCMP arrested 21 people blocking Coastal GasLink workers from accessing the site.
On Monday morning, Vancouver police arrested 43 demonstrators at the Port of Vancouver as they enforced an injunction against those blocking access to the site.
Dozens of officers arrived at the intersection of Hastings and Clark streets around 5:30 a.m. PT Monday, and the injunction was read several times over a loudspeaker. Police then removed barricades blocking access to the port, reopening the ramp to vehicles.
Demonstrators had blocked two other port entrances in Vancouver, and the Delta port, where local police arrested 14 protesters early Monday morning. Delta police said an ambulance was called for one person “out of an abundance of caution.” Protesters had first blockaded the port on Feb. 8.
Meanwhile, protesters in New Hazelton, west of Smithers, B.C., continue to block railways, significantly affecting CN Rail service.

Hundreds rally in Metro Vancouver and Victoria in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en. Police arrest 57 anti-pipeline protesters blocking Vancouver and Delta port entrances. CBC News · Posted: Feb 10, 2020

Image may contain: one or more people and text

Newfoundland in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en

Labrador Land Protectors 2.10.2020
Thank you St. John’s allies & protectors
The Labrador Land Protectors applaud you all, we stand in solidarity with you and all across this nation protecting land, water and lives, including the Wet’suwet’en people.
Today the feds and provincial government are in St. John’s talking about money for Muskrat Falls hydro rates when they did not have enough concern for our lives downstream or the land & water to “remember” to clear the reservoir.
Do not be fooled by governments’ lies of reconciliation, it’s all about who they can buy out. It’s the same everywhere. Use injunctions, bring in the RCMP and wipe their hands of UNDRIP and the Rights of the land, water, animals and Indigenous Peoples.
We will fight them. We will protect. We are with you. Stand strong!
#NoMoreDams #NoPipelines

Freda Huson, wider angle — **Freda Huson, director of the Unist’ot’en Healing Centre, sings as RCMP look on, just before arresting her on Monday morning.** Photo by Amanda Follett Hosgood.

851px version of Freda Huson — **Freda Huson awaits RCMP action at the Unist’ot’en Healing Centre on Monday morning.** Photo by Amanda Follett Hosgood.

The RCMP made seven arrests at the Unist’ot’en Healing Centre today in an attempt to evict the last Wet’suwet’en post resisting a gas pipeline through the nation’s traditional territories.
Police, including tactical squad officers armed with rifles and handlers with dogs, arrived earlier this morning in a convoy of more than 30 vehicles as a helicopter circled overhead.
They were greeted by a group of women drumming and singing beside a ceremonial fire near the centre. The officers tried to talk to the matriarchs around the fire but were greeted with calls of “liars” and demands they leave.
Karla Tait, volunteer director of clinical services at the healing centre, told police she was defending her children’s future.
“I’m protecting the land for my five-year-old daughter,” said Tait.* “Our people need the salmon to survive.”
When an RCMP officer said police didn’t want to make arrests unless there was no choice, Freda Huson (Howilhkat), Unist’ot’en spokesperson and healing centre director, said police had a choice.
“You have the option to leave,” she said. “You know what the right thing is. This is unceded land. The chiefs did not give consent. They’ve [Coastal GasLink] been evicted. Honour that eviction and go. Shame. Your children will pay… Shame on you guys. Shame on you. Shame on you.”
By 10:26 a.m., the arrests began as the women continued to sing and drum. Tait was one of the first arrested. Within 30 minutes, six more people were led or carried away one at a time by police.
Huson was the sixth person arrested.

Emotions High as RCMP Arrest Seven at Last Wet’suwet’en Post. Helicopters and a convoy bring tactical officers, dog squad to healing centre. The Tyee is there. Amanda Follett Hosgood 10.9.2020| TheTyee.ca

Marcos Lopez and Mariah Omeasoo joined about 20 demonstrators on the Higgins Avenue bridge Monday who cried foul at a natural gas pipeline under construction in British Columbia.
“I think it’s important for us to stand with our fellow Indigenous people when our rights are being infringed upon,” said Lopez, a sophomore at the University of Montana and member of the Crow and Nez Perce tribes. “When our rights are being infringed upon and the government is taking land without their consent, I think that should appall people everywhere.”
He and other demonstrators allege that’s what’s happening with the Coastal GasLink pipeline now under construction in British Columbia. If completed, the pipeline would run 416 miles across the province, linking an existing network of gas lines in the east to an export facility near the town of Kitimat on the western coast. The project has the support of several First Nations band councils, a type of governing body in Canada, in the area.
But the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs oppose it. Members of that First Nation have maintained a presence on the forest road that runs into their territory, as a means to block access to pipeline routes, since 2009.
On Dec. 31 of last year, a Canadian judge issued an injunction ordering the Wet’suwet’en to clear the road so that GasLink construction could proceed. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have since been enforcing the order and arresting demonstrators. Protests against the pipeline, meanwhile, have since spread across Canada and, on Monday, to Missoula.
“It’s an international call for solidarity” from the Wet’suwet’en, explained UM’s DiverseU student coordinator Joseph Grady, one of the demonstration’s organizers.
Anti-GasLink demonstrators in Canada have disrupted ports and rail traffic in recent days, but Missoula’s activists kept themselves to the railing on the west side of the bridge, leaving enough space for pedestrians to pass. As motorists honked in support, Grady said that “we want to make sure here locally, that we’re more exhibiting solidarity than getting in the way.”

Missoula activists protest Canada gas pipeline by Patrick Reilly, Missoulian, 2.10.2020

GODERICH, ONT. — A small, but committed group of Huron County residents rallied in Goderich on Monday, showing solidarity with Wet’suwet’en protestors.
Over 30 people have been arrested by the RCMP in northern B.C., as members of the Wet’suwet’en nation and their supporters attempt to stop construction of a Coastal GasLink pipeline.
Solidarity protests have been happening across the country, since the conflict ramped up last week.
Wet’suwet’en solidarity protests continue as supporters block roads and port terminals
Rolling protest slows Highway 401 traffic in London region
In Goderich, protest organizer Shannon Hugman, says they chose to picket out front of banks in Goderich, because the big banks are financially supporting the Coastal GasLink pipeline.
“I’m not only here to stand in support of indigenous right and human rights, but for climate justice. Because the reason these indigenous people are being arrested and taken from their homes, is to build a pipeline. As a Canadian, as a young person, and someone who plans on being on this planet for many more decades, I cannot stand for that.”

Protesters picket Goderich, Ont. banks in support of Wet’suwet’en. Scott Miller Videographer @ScottMillerCTV Published CTV News Monday, February 10, 2020

Image may contain: 2 people, possible text that says 'INDIGENOUS YOUTH ARE OCCUPYING MINISTER DAN VANDAL'S OFFICE IN WINNIPEG DEMANDING He UPHOLD INDIGENOUS RIGHTS AND REMOVE THE RCMP AND COASTAL GASLINK FROM WET WET'SUWET'EN EN TERRITORY NO PIPELINA HILL OFFICE 613.995.0579 CALL MINISTER VANDAL AND DEMAND RCMP OFF WET'SUWET'EN LAND. CONSTITUENCY OFFICE 204.983.3183'

Indigenous Rising Media
⚡BREAKING⚡
Indigenous youth are occupying Minister Dan Vandal’s Winnipeg Constituency Office to encourage Minister Vandal to stand by Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs representing all five clans of the Wet’suwet’en Nation in opposition to CGL.
Call Minister Vandal’s offices in solidarity with our youth and demand he uphold Indigenous Rights and remove RCMP & TC Energy’s Coastal GasLink from Wet’suwet’en Territories.
HILL OFFICE
1.613.995.0579
CONSTITUENCY OFFICE
1.204.983.3183

Posted in civil disobedience, decolonize, Indigenous, Uncategorized, Unist'ot'en, Wet’suwet’en | Leave a comment

To be released

Posted on February 10, 2020 by Jeff Kisling

Wet’suwet’en Access Point on Gidimt’en Territory

I have no reason to doubt this video. I’m just saying I haven’t seen anything from another source to validate it, yet.

The video above is from Wet’suwet’en Access Point on Gidimt’en Territory. The spokesperson says those who were arrested when the RCMP came to the Gidimt’en Territory are going to be released shortly. They were arrested and detained illegally for several reasons. It seems the injunction served to arrest the people was improper. And the exclusion zone that was expanded to include where the people were located was done in a completely arbitrary manner.

The Wet’suwet’en people who were arrest several days ago will appear in court tomorrow, with the same result expected, that they too will be released.

Posted in Uncategorized, Unist'ot'en, Wet’suwet’en | Leave a comment

RCMP move in and arrest Unist’ot’en Matriarchs

Posted on February 10, 2020 by Jeff Kisling

After a morning prayer we watched the invaders roll in on their metal wagons. Mounties and industry working together to steal native land and all of our futures. We stood strong in a peaceful manner, and are now asking anyone who can join us to make your way to 27km on the Morice River Rd
FrontlineSolidarity

Image may contain: 3 people, people standing, child and outdoor

Unist’ot’en Matriarchs Arrested. Stand with Unist’ot’en Now

Unist’ot’en Territory, Feb 10, 2020 – A convoy of armed RCMP tactical units has invaded sovereign and unceded Unist’ot’en Territory to enforce Coastal GasLink’s injunction. Our Unist’ot’en Matriarchs and lands defenders have been forcibly removed off their lands.

Unist’ot’en Matriarchs Freda Huson (Chief Howihkat), Brenda Michell (Chief Geltiy), and Dr. Karla Tait have been forcibly removed off our territories and arrested. Our matriarchs were arrested while holding a ceremony to call on our ancestors and to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. We, the Unist’ot’en, know that violence on our lands and violence on our women are connected. During ceremony, we hung red dresses to remember the spirits of the murdered women, girls and two spirit people taken from us. We were holding a cremation for the Canadian Indigenous Reconciliation industry as the RCMP battered through the gates. Land defenders, including Victoria Redsun (Denesuline), Autumn Walken (Nlaka’pamux), and Pocholo Alen Conception have also been arrested.

Unist’ot’en condemns these violent, colonial arrests and stark violations of Wet’suwet’en law, Canadian law, and of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). This is also a clear violation of the recent directive from the UN Committee on Racial Discrimination (CERD) requiring Canada to halt the Coastal GasLink pipeline project and withdraw RCMP from our territory in order to avoid further violations of Wet’suwet’en, constitutional, and international law.

We, as Wet’suwet’en, have never ceded our sovereign title and rights over the 22,000 square kilometers of our land, waters, and resources within our Yintah. Our ‘Anuc niwh’it’ën (Wet’suwet’en law) and feast governance systems remain intact and continue to govern our people and our lands. We recognize the authority of these systems. The Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs are the Title Holders, and maintain the authority and jurisdiction to make decisions on unceded lands.

Our Wet’suwet’en Territory is divided into 5 clans and 13 house groups. Each clan within the Wet’suwet’en Nation has full jurisdiction under our law to control access to their respective territories. We have governed ourselves sustainably since time immemorial. The Unist’ot’en (Dark House) is occupying and using our traditional territory as we have for centuries. Our homestead is a peaceful expression of our connection to our territory and demonstrates the continuous use and occupation of our territories in accordance with our governance structure. Our Unist’ot’en Yin’tah is a place of healing. It is home to Wet’suwet’en people seeking refuge from colonial trauma. People recovering from addiction. People reconnecting with the land.

We have the strength of our ancestors within us. We have the solidarity of our Indigenous relatives and allies with us. We have the power of people shutting down railways, highways, ports, and government offices all around this country. Thank you to people all around this planet making our struggle your struggle. The flames of resistance and the resurgence of Indigenous land reclamation give us strength. We know our neighbours and relatives are with us. We know the two-leggeds and the four-leggeds are watching over us. These arrests don’t intimidate us. Police enforcement doesn’t intimidate us. Colonial court orders don’t intimidate us. Men in suits and their money don’t intimidate us. We are still here. We will always be there. This is not over.

RCMP At the Gate of Unist’ot’en Territory

FEB 9, 2020 – Unist’ot’en women hold a ceremony honouring their missing and murdered Indigenous sisters and inviting their spirits to stand with them against the same RCMP who denied them justice.
By dusk the RCMP had reached the bridge to Unist’ot’en territory. They could invade any minute.
Support is needed. The time is now.
http://unistoten.camp/supportertoolkit2020/
https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/unistoten2020legalfund/
WetsuwetenStrong #Unistoten #MMIW #StolenSisters #RCMPOut #LandBack #DefendtheYintah #ShutDownCanada#

APTN National News at 2.10.2020 6:38 AM ·
Protests in support of Wet’suwet’en Nation taking place in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory | APTN News

Across the country infrastructure is being shut down in support of the Wet’suwet’en Nation.
The RCMP is enforcing an injunction against hereditary chiefs who don’t want a pipeline built through their territory.
On the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, protests are taking place by the rail lines that service eastern Canada

Christina Nelson shared a live video. 2.10.2020
Extinction Rebellion Edmonton joining the Beaver Hills Warriors to show solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en
#WetsuwetenStrong

Posted in civil disobedience, Uncategorized, Unist'ot'en, Wet’suwet’en | Leave a comment

Unist’ot’en Village surrounded by RCMP

Posted on February 10, 2020 by Jeff Kisling

BREAKING: Arrests are being made now at the Unist’ot’en camp.

RCMP have now surrounded the Unist’ot’en Village.
Tactical units have been dropped by Helicopter on top of the hill above the village, and have been seen pointing guns at the healing centre.
Live updates are being posted here
And Live streaming is happening on the camp facebook page
PLEASE SHARE THE LIVE STREAMS!
10:41 am – RCMP using K9 units on unarmed indigenous women on behalf of CGL/TC Energy. 4 arrests total so far.
9:55 am – Legal observers heard RCMP planning on running dogs towards gate
9:51 – RCMP Officer appears to have tripped over one of the red dresses.
9:48 am – reports that Transport Canada is not aware of any airspace restriction.
9:45 am – DLT interrupting ceremony to try and talk to Freda. Masked cops with sunglasses, filming. Low flying helicopter.
9:44 – Unist’ot’en Facebook account livestreaming raid now.
9:38 am – 11 tactical at end of driveway of Healing Centre, 7 on hill. 2 canine units. DLTs hovering around ceremonial bell structure filming.
9:32 am – Several assault rifles spotted pointed at Healing Centre. K9 units. Sounds cannons. Handguns.
9:17 am – 4th helicopter landed and took off at top of hill. 3 RCMP total at the top of hill. 2 north side, 1 south.
9:14 – Total 3 black helicopters at the top of hill
9:13 am – RCMP approaching water in snowshoes, assessing bridge, using binoculars. Another helicopter dropped down and went back up.
9:11 am – More RCMP officers crouching behind snowbank, hiding from view. 2 high visibility and one in red plaid. 2 helicopter dropoffs at the top of the hill so far.
9:09 am – Ravens flying above the officers. They are Oyate, Karla Tait’s daughter, in spirit form. She told us they would be with us. She is 5 years old Unist’ot’en.
STAY IN THE STREETS
Find or organize an action to join near you:
INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY: THE TIME IS NOW ALL OUT FOR WET’SUWET’EN
Many actions are being added to the discussion section of the page above now!
Wet’suwet’en and supporters are gathering at 27 KM on Morice Forest Service Road
Over 30 people were arrested at the Port of Vancouver last night and there is a call out to reconvene at the VANDU office (380 East Hastings) at 1 PM
As far as we know the Rail Blockade in New Hazelton is still going.
At least 3 new Rail Blockades have gone up at 6 nations, Listuguj Mi’gmaq, and Montreal
People have shut down the Comox Valley Highway in both directions
Government offices and banks are being shut down!
GET ON THE PHONE
Call your friends and neighbors to join an action, and take 10 minutes to call government officials and let them know how you feel!
This link will let you call all BC MP’s via an auto dialer:
Call BC Government Officials!

February 10, 2020. 8:52 am:
RCMP are climbing the snow towards gate entrance, telling all present they will be arrested and face civil or criminal contempt. Matriarchs are calling the ancestors. There are only women here besides one male media and one male indigenous supporter.
#AllEyesOnUnistoten #AllEyesOnWetsuweten #WetsuwetenStrong #ReconciliationIsDead #shutdowncanada #unistoten #landback #thetimeisnow

Image may contain: one or more people, snow, tree, outdoor and nature

Written earlier today:

Not surprisingly the events in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en peoples are raising up the diverse dangers of colonial capitalism and an extractive, fossil fuel based society.

In several postings there a pictures of red dresses. If you’re not familiar, they represent the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). This happens when “man camps” of workers on pipelines prey on Native women. Part of the problem is tribal police haven’t had jurisdiction over White men who commit crimes on Native lands.

A post below strikes at the financial institutions the greatly profit by funding fossil fuel projects. Divestment from banks the fund fossil fuel projects has been a global phenomenon for years.

In 2016 a group of Native and nonnative people marched to the CHASE and PNC banks in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, and stood in silence as people with accounts went inside to close them. Among us $110,000 was withdrawn on that single day.

Other oppressed peoples stand in solidarity. There is a post about Muslims supporting the Wet’suwet’en peoples.

JP Morgan wants us to leave?!
Wet’su’weten WANT JP Morgan off their land!!!
Occupying office at Wellington and Bay RIGHT NOW. Solidarity Rally TMR
RCMP REACHED THE BRIDGE @ 66 KMS YESTERDAY, THEY ARE RETURNING TODAY.
WE WILL NOT STOP UNTIL THEY ARE OFF INDIGENOUS LANDS
#cantstopwontstop
#wetsuwetenstrong
#freeevesaint
#shameoncanada
#nopipelinesnotankers
#nopipelinesnoproblem
#alleyesonwetsuweten

There’s a significant traffic backup on the Inland Island Highway this morning.
The Comox Valley RCMP has confirmed protests in support of the Wet’suwet’en are happening.
One is on Highway 19 southbound between Minto Road and Comox Valley Parkway. The ramp has been closed and a detour is in place.
The other is on Highway 19 northbound between Buckley Bay Road and Van West Logging Road 15 km south of Cumberland. A detour is in place there as well.
The RCMP was not able to say how long the protests are expected to last this morning. We’ll have more details as they become available.
Last Thursday, the RCMP began enforcing a court injunction and arresting Wet’suwet’en protesters opposed to the Coastal GasLink project in northern British Columbia.

Protest supporting Wet’suwet’en blocking Inland Island Highway by Patrick Grapes, staff, MyComoxValleyNow, Monday, Feb. 10th, 2020

This morning’s protest (Troy Landreville, MyComoxValleyNow.com staff)

Image may contain: 7 people, people standing, crowd and outdoor

Hira Rashid, 2.10.2020

If you’re a Muslim and you’re pro Palestine, you need to get out and support the Wet’suwet’en nation!
We need more Muslims standing up for justice! Just like our Palestinian family, our Wet’suwet’en family’s land is being illegally trespassed and the RCMP is arresting land protectors and warriors. This is not a joke. This is not reconciliation. When Indigenous people say you cannot come onto our land, the government has to listen and respect that! This is not our land. We are colonizers and settlers!
handsoffwetsuweten #injusticeisharam #alleyesonwetsuweten #rcmpstanddown

(Ty to Amal and Ayesha for the sign)

Posted in #NDAPL, climate change, Uncategorized, Unist'ot'en, Wet’suwet’en | Leave a comment

STAND DOWN, COME IN

Posted on February 10, 2020 by Jeff Kisling

WARNING: There is a lot going on in Canada now. Solidarity actions all over, including closing the port in Victoria, and blocking roads and railways. Occupying government offices.
The last video of this post is disturbing and should not be seen by children. But for adults it shows the interactions between the land protectors and the police. I included it because I believe we need to see and hear these interactions. I’m not comfortable with some of the ways the videographer interacts with the police but even more don’t approve of what the Canadian government and police are doing to the First Nations people and their supporters across the land.

The song below asks us “Is this the legacy you want to leave? Is this the best contribution to the world that you’re capable of making? Will your grandchildren be proud of you?“

Dylan Penner shared the live video above. This morning 2.10.2020
BREAKING: Indigenous youth and allies occupy Ministry of Justice in Ottawa in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en.
Please call David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General to intervene to have the RCMP stand down: 613-943-6636

Oh Pray Tell

This video was written and recorded on unceded Sinixt tum-ula7xw in support of Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs protecting their lands.

For more information and to support go to http://unistoten.camp.

This song is addressing John Horgan, David Eby, RCMP, Coastal Gas Link, TC energy and all others involved in this oppression.

We invite you to sit down and listen.

This is an appeal for you to really ask yourselves if you feel good about invading Indigenous lands and ripping people from their territories.

Is this the legacy you want to leave? Is this the best contribution to the world that you’re capable of making? Will your grandchildren be proud of you?

We recognize that there is a typo in how we spelled Wet’suwet’en and we will change and replace it with the proper spelling but wanted to get this video out in solidarity today with the news of invasion of Wet’suwet’en territories.
STAND DOWN/COME IN

Victoria Legislature

Pamela Blondeau
My Kukum
Where would we be with out our Grandmothers?
I wouldn’t even want to know…
Since birth you showed us to understand who we are…
Thank you for all the lessons…
Traditional Grandmothers…
Give them your time and love and be loved…
Time flies when you are with these ones…
If you don’t have a kukum…
Adopt 1

Image may contain: one or more people and outdoor — Unist’ot’en Camp

Wet’suwet’en is a Nation; Yin’tah is a Country. Canada is a Nation-State

Easily 350 people holding Hastings and Clark! Strong energy and songs being shared

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Support from accross the land. Mohawk warriors are stepping in.

Train has been blocked in Kahnawake now too.
CN we said no more trains will passing though our territory till the RCMP retreat from Wetsueten territory. Take your money and influence and pressure your priminister to remove them RCMP!
#crimeagainsthumanity
#rcmpout

Image may contain: 10 people, outdoor — At Vancouver City Hall

Image may contain: 2 people, crowd and outdoor

Jenny Kwanis at Vancouver City Hall.
Feb 9,2020
The world is watching Canada’s colonial history on full display as the RCMP descend on peaceful land defenders of the Wet’suwet’en peoples.
Canada’s commitment to the UN Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples rings hollow when the Prime Minister is acting as a bystander and refuses to meet with the Wet’suwet’en He retiary Chiefs. The Provincial government has passed Bill C-41, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act – a significant and historical moment, but Bill C-41 must apply to Coastal GasLink. Government’s commitment to UNDRIP needs to in action, not just words.
As arrests continue, there is an uprising all across the country. People from all four directions are rallying in support of the Wet’suwet’en peoples, shutting down roads, rail lines, ports and train. Indigenous youth are occupying the BC Legislature. Today, I attended the rally at City Hall and scores of people showed up in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en peoples and I stand with them as a settler ally.
The RCMP needs to stand down. The path forward needs to be guided by the UN Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. “Free, prior and informed consent” must be recognized. Action needs to be rooted in dialogue and not RCMP arrests. The free press needs to be able to do their job. Canada needs to end its colonial approach.
#WetsuwetenStrong #UNDRIP UBCIC UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Extinction Rebellion Nanaimo
ACTION: HIGHWAY 19 BLOCKADED AT EXIT 117 FOR WET’SUWET’EN
To whom it may concern:
A group K’omoks Territories land and water defenders and concerned Comox Valley residents are currently blockading Vancouver Island Inland highway in BC at exit 117, preventing southbound and northbound traffic from passing or entering the highway southbound at this exit and from exiting northbound at this exit.
This action will be taking place indefinitely in support of Wet’suwet’en and the courageous youth at the the Victoria Legislature.
What is happening in Wet’suwet’en is a blatant violation of Wet’suwet’en Hereditary law which, as Wet’suwet’en is unceded territory, is protected under the Canadian Constitution. This means the government of Canada is required to dialogue with and receive consent from the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs prior to any activity on this land.
The disregard of this law is a continuation of the cultural genocide and violent oppression of indigenous peoples that Canada has perpetuated for its entire relationship with First Nations
The forceful removal of a people from their own land to facilitate the trespassing of a multinational company bent on the destruction of said land, poisoning of their water, and eradication of the natural heritage upon which their culture is based is nothing short of an international crime. It has been condemned as such by the international community and must stop. The Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau must enter negotiations with Wet’suwet’en on a nation to nation basis. Premier John Horgan of BC must order the RCMP to stand down immediately and exit Wet’suwet’en territory.
This crime is one in a series that has not only violated first Nations, Métis, and Inuit rights and furthered cultural genocide, but has also irreversibly destroyed the natural world upon which we all depend and is rapidly destabilizing our climate to the point that it will cause the collapse of all human society if not halted immediately.
We are fighting for our culture, rights, and very lives.
We urge you to consider the legacy this destruction is leaving for future generations and indeed the children and youth alive today.
For more information, phone 778-689-1286
#ShutDownCanada #WetsuwetenStrong #AllEyesonWetsuweten

The following video is disturbing and not for children to see.

Camp Cloud at KM Surveillance Post

Posted in civil disobedience, Indigenous, Uncategorized, Unist'ot'en, Wet’suwet’en | Leave a comment

Callout for Support at Port of Vancouver

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Jeff Kisling

Callout for Support at Port of Vancouver!

Police Presence Emerging at Port of Vancouver as RCMP approach Unist’ot’en

Reinforcements and Legal Observers are Needed at Van Port at Clark and Hastings!

Matriarchs at Unist’ot’en Bridge

Port Shutdown entering its 4th day! No capital can flow when RCMP Invade Indigenous lands! If you’re in Vancouver and can make it to Clark and Hastings please get there!

RCMP are moving in on the Unist’ot’en Healing Centre as this is being written and this is no time to stand down!

Live updates from Unist’ot’en are being posted here:

The action at the port has been led and organized by indigenous people and settlers are asked to report to Clark and Hastings to check in before going to other blockades. Dress warmly, people who can stay overnight are needed.

Follow this page for live info from the Port of Vancouver
https://www.facebook.com/events/520894505214204/

If you’re in Victoria join the ongoing occupation of the BC Legislature led by indigenous youth

In Winnipeg Indigenous youth and Supporters have been occupying MP Dan Vandal’s for over 172 hours

Organizing an action? Post it here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/221856442184296/

This is no time to stand down! We’re all tired but not as tired as our friends on the frontline facing the RCMP!

-Unist’ot’en Solidarity Brigade

Convoy Approaching Unist’ot’en Just Before Nightfall

Red Dresses for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Woman on Unist’ot’en Bridge

Workers supporting the Port Shutdown. Join the folks at the port!

Posted in decolonize, Indigenous, Uncategorized, Unist'ot'en, Wet’suwet’en | Leave a comment

Wet’Suwet’en Solidarity Continues 2.9.2020

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Jeff Kisling

February 9, 2020:
Over the last 72 hours, the RCMP have invaded sovereign, unceded Wet’suwet’en territories and forcibly removed unarmed land defenders at gunpoint.
Billions of taxpayer dollars have been spent by the federal government on behalf of TC Energy, a private resource extraction corporation, to remove the people from these lands making way for their Coastal GasLink project to export fracked gas.
The strength of our resistance has made the RCMP invasion slow and difficult. The solidarity actions from around the globe have shined a light into the darkness. Canada and the fossil fuels industries can no longer operate in the shadows when committing genocide against indigneous peoples. “Reconciliation” is the smokescreen intended to further dispossess the rightful inhabitants from their ancestral territories, and now the fog has been lifted. We remain undefeated.

Here are the arrest totals from the RCMP/CGL invasion on unceded Wet’suwet’en territories over the last few days:
6 arrested at 39km, Feb 6 (released with no charges)
4 arrested at 44km, Feb 7 (court date Monday in Smithers)
11 arrested at 27km, Feb 8 (including Legal Observers)
WetsuwetenStrong #ReconciliationIsDead #alleyesonWetsuweten #shutdowncanada #unistoten #gidimten #landback

Gidimt’en Call to action: http://www.yintahaccess.com
Donate to Gidimt’en camp: https://www.gofundme.com/f/gidimt039en-strong
Wet’suwet’en Supporter Toolkit: http://unistoten.camp/supportertoolkit2020
Unist’ot’en Legal Fund: https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/unistoten2020legalfund

https://www.facebook.com/wetsuwetenstrong/

Banner of the Wet’suwet’en Access Point on Gidimt’en Territory Facebook page

RCMP Invasion on Unist’ot’en Territory – URGENT Updates Feb 9, 202

February 9, 2020 URGENT UPDATES
5:35 pm – 9 RCMP in snowshoes at the 65 km mark near bridge. 1 person in plaid coat.
5:32 – 21 personnel in yellow vests at pullout at 65km marker.
5:29 pm – RCMP holding a piece of equipment (undetermined). Their vehicles are starting up. Unist’ot’en matriarchs dancing and singing songs under the bell.
5:25 pm – Plows retreating. RCMP preparing to advance.
5:20 pm – Road is now cleared to the bridge.
5:14 pm – 2 graders pushing through to bridge now. Plow behind.
5:07 pm – RCMP drone attempted to take out Unist’ot’en supporter drone over bridge, unsuccessful.
5:06 pm – As vehicles approach, Freda Huson is drumming over the river and calling to the forest, ancestors.
4:52 pm – 5 RCMP officers approaching on foot, 3 graders and 13+ vehicles behind that.
4:40 pm – Large plow truck at gates of Unistoten, 66km
4:25 pm – Updated tally of RCMP/CGL between 44km and 66km:
1 dump truck
3 bulldozers
1 large CAT
1 large white SUV
1 large RV
1 ambulance
6 pickup trucks (estimated)
3:41 pm – 2 CGL trucks headed down from 44km mark at Gidimt’en
2:51 pm – At least 2 unmarked RCMP pickup trucks at 44km Gidimt’en, 1 RCMP SUV, and some officers on foot.
2:26 pm – 1 unmarked RCMP SUV headed to 66km from 44km with 2 unmarked CGL work vehicles.
1:17 pm – RCMP helicopter circling very low at 66km. Matriarchs drumming.
11:39 am – 2 RCMP at 44km, came to the door of Woo’s cabin asking those inside to identify themselves. Officers refused to give names or badge numbers, then left.
11 am – Black helicopter flying low overhead at 66km
9:45 am – We have reports of a large convoy of RCMP and industry working up the road from Gidimt’en toward #Unistoten. 2 bulldozers, 1 plow, 2 large cats, 1 large white RV, 1 ambulance, 7 pickups.

Wet’suwet’en Access Point on Gidimt’en Territory. 2.9.2020 21:00
PLEASE KEEP MAKING NOISE, AND KEEP WATCHING! THEY’RE MOVING IN… #ShutDownCanada #ReconciliationIsDead

Image may contain: possible text that says 'Gidimt'en Checkpoint @Gidimten 1m #WETSUWETENSTRONG they're moving to #Unistoten Amber Bracken @photob... 11m Snow clearing machinery has just arrived accross the river from Unist'ot'en. Pushing a huge wall of snow, est 10 feet.'

Ann Hughes shared a post.
I’ve heard that the Port of Vancouver has gotten an injunction now…so don’t know how long the Ports will be closed now.

Extinction Rebellion Toronto
2.9.2020
A small number of activists with Red Braid Alliance for Decolonial Solidarity held a blockade at one of Canada’s busiest ports all night. They did in the face of intense police opposition.
This morning – a major union that works at the site showed up and agreed not to cross the picket line in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en.
This is a beautiful act of solidarity between workers and the indigenous community and vital to the type of coalition building that we need to combat racism, colonialism and the climate crisis.
This disruption can all stop as soon as John Horgan and Justin Trudeau live up to their campaign promises, their obligations under UNDRIP and Truth and Reconciliation and the basic principle of human decency.
Until then they can expect more disruption from communities from coast to coast.

Image may contain: 1 person, sky, ocean, cloud and outdoor, possible text that says 'Red Braid Alliance for Decolonial So... @stopdisplacemnt ILWU Local 502 approached our barricade with a message of solidarity and told us they will not cross our picket line. There would normally be 300 workers at the Deltaport, but not today the port is closed! #DeltaportBlockade #WetsuwetenStrong #ShutDownCanada'

Image may contain: 5 people, people standing — **Extinction Rebellion Toronto**

Image may contain: 2 people, people smiling, people standing, shoes, hat, beard and outdoor — Donna Clark VK & Whess @ Hastings & Clark

Protectors of the Salish Sea is live now.
We are here in Seattle in solidarity with Unist’ot’en and the wet’suwet’en people. Join us live for a prayer walk across the street to the canadian embassy

One of my favourite songs that was composed in the 90’s based on recent history when the Gitxsan stood up to the DFO for our fishing rights and the Wetsuweten came and stood with us during this blockade as well.
Anki Iss – also known as the Marshall’s War.
We pelted the DFO with marshmallows

Thohahènte Wakeniáthen 2.9.2020

So this morning I am at Kenhtéke at the gathering of the People by the CN rail lines. The trains are backed up and stationary in the distance. #WetsuwetenStrong
OPP are sitting in their cruiser down the road a piece and along the rail route watching no one interferes with the trains.
There are a couple of fires and spirits are high though CN Police got an Injunction yesterday to have us removed
The injunction won’t be enforced by the OPP according to their Indigenous Liaison. It is not their place and not their injunction.
This injunction got raised very quickly. A contributing factor may be a strange occurrence Saturday morning at 3am. A random black car, obviously some type of undercover car with blue lights hidden behind the grille, pulled up and stopped on the rail tracks.
A guy jumped out and ran back a ways and took a picture of the car on the tracks blocking any trains that might come along. One of the People tending the fires took a photo that got picked up by local media. Maybe this picture was used to convince a judge to issue an injunction.
A picture of the mystery car is below. Who can identify this car.
Of course the truth really has little meaning when it stands between what white people and their corporations want. The reality here is the tracks are not blocked. The road is clear and local traffic is unimpeded.
The community is coming forward with firewood food clothing and volunteers to keep the fires. See the pics below.
The OPP Indigenous Liaison say their higher ups are investigating to see if laws were broken or evidence falsified to get that injunction.
News from Wet’suwet’en is slow getting here so I gave an update at the fire.
It sounds like the Gestapo have an injunction against the Gitxsan People blocking the main road in Hazelton and the RCMP are on their way to #Unistoten camp.
We are settling in for the day. APTN National News is here. Global News was told to leave our territory for being disrespectful to our People holding space here.
Kanenhariyo Seth LeFort #WetsuwetenStrong Freda Huson Lorinda Campbell Ckwe Kweradio

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Lee Veeraraghavan
2.9.2020
SHUT DOWN CANADA.
That’s not just a hashtag. Canada is a vast country with very little infrastructure where it counts. People like you and me are shutting down that infrastructure. This hurts the people who violate Indigenous rights for profit by hitting them in the wallet. We can support those who are putting their bodies on the line in this way from afar. Hold the line! Solidarity from Pittsburgh!
#shutdowncanada #wetsuwetenstrong #pizza4pipelineprotestors #reconciliationisdead

Image may contain: 1 person, standing, hat and outdoor

Day 4: RCMP continue enforcement against Wet’suwet’en over pipeline injunction. More than 20 people have been arrested since enforcement actions began.

It is day four of the RCMP’s enforcement of an injunction order in northern B.C. to ensure that Coastal GasLink and its contractors can resume work in a disputed area of the pipeline route in the traditional territory of the Wet’suwet’en nation.
Since Thursday the RCMP have been moving in, kilometre-by-kilometre, camp-by-camp, down the Morice West Forest Service Road, to enforce the injunction against named Wet’suwet’en defendants and supporters.
The forest service road begins at a turn off from Highway 16 in Houston, B.C. It twists and curves, forking off in different directions and is a roadway Coastal GasLink is depending on for construction work on a $6-billion, 670-kilometre natural gas pipeline that has received approval from the province.
Twenty First Nations band councils have signed agreements in support of the project, including five of the six band councils in the Wet’suwet’en nation.
However, the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs say those band councils are only responsible for the territory within their individual reserves because their authority comes only from the Indian Act. The hereditary chiefs — who are the leaders of the nation’s governance system in place before the imposition of the Indian Act — assert authority over 22,000 square kilometres of the nation’s traditional territory, an area recognized as unceded by the Supreme Court of Canada in a 1997 decision..

By Saturday night, police had arrested a total of 21 people. Eleven of those people were arrested on Saturday at a site referred to as the warming centre, after police announced it had become part of an expanded exclusion zone.

Day 4: RCMP continue enforcement against Wet’suwet’en over pipeline injunction. More than 20 people have been arrested since enforcement actions began. Chantelle Bellrichard · CBC · Posted: Feb 09, 2020

RCMP are seen pulling an arrestee out of the warming centre area on Saturday, Feb. 8. (Chantelle Bellrichard/CBC)

APTN National News February 5 at 5:47 PM

Fears of an RCMP raid in Wet’suwet’en territory made their way to the House of Commons Wednesday when NDP leader Jagmeet Singh asked Justin Trudeau why he hasn’t met with Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs.

Candace Day Neveau was live.
❤Tiny house warriors statement ❤
Kanahus Freedom Manuel Mayuk Manuel Snutetkwe Manuel Vy Daay Candace Day Neveau

VANCOUVER — Around a dozen protesters blocked Deltaport in Delta, B.C. on Sunday in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs and their supporters who are opposing a gas pipeline in their territory in northern B.C.
Sunday was the fourth day of solidarity protests that targeted Metro Vancouver port terminals. Port terminals in Vancouver were also affected as protesters continued to block truck traffic, camping on-site and remaining there in tents Sunday.
The protestors at Deltaport said they would not leave until the RCMP leave Wet’suwet’en territory.

At around 4:00 p.m., protesters also occupied the intersection of Cambie and Broadway near downtown Vancouver and blocked traffic. TransLink warned passengers that multiple buses, including the 9, the 17 and the 99 B-line, had been rerouted because of the protest.
RCMP have arrested a total of 21 people as they move to enforce a court injunction that prevents Wet’suwet’en members and their supporters from blocking access to Coastal GasLink worksites in an area near Smithers, B.C.
Protest supporters are gathering today at Vancouver city hall, and Indigenous youth and supporters continue to camp overnight on the front steps of the B.C. legislature in Victoria.
VIA Rail passenger train service remained cancelled on Sunday between Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa because of protests in support of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs.

Wet’suwet’en solidarity protests continue as supporters block roads and port terminals. Jen St. Denis, CTVNewsVancouver.ca reporter @jenstden Published Sunday, February 9, 2020

A dozen protestors blocking access to Delta Port say they will not leave until RCMP leave Wet’suwet’en territory. Hundreds of dock workers lined up for work say they will not be paid b/c of the blockade. @CTVVancouver pic.twitter.com/rrgyLmxQZT
— Ben Miljure (@CTVNewsBen) February 9, 2020

Yesterday in Hazelton B.C. Railway blocked. Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en chiefs speak after stopping CN Rail in support of Wet’suwet’en.

Posted in #NDAPL, decolonize, Indigenous, Uncategorized, Unist'ot'en, Wet’suwet’en | Leave a comment

Wet’suwet’en Update 2.9.2020

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Jeff Kisling

February 8th 2020
Day two of the RCMP raid on Wet’suwet’en land defenders. Military police invaded Gidimt’en territory to arrest four indigenous land defenders.
This will be a long and costly struggle judging by the fact that 13 months after the first RCMP raid to supposedly uphold a provincial court order which is meant to dispossess the Wet’suwet’en of their unceded land.
Millions of dollars were spent forcibly removing 4 peaceful indigenous land defenders off of sovereign Wet’suwet’en territory in one day alone.
Donate to the three Clans camps as we continue to collaborate with local and long distance supporters, everyone upstream and downstream of this proposed energy corridor nightmare.
All three camps have go-fund-me visit their websites to donate independently.

Message from Unist’ot’en: Solidarity!
Message from Unist’ot’en: It’s time to wake Canada up!
Thank you for taking this stand with us, for continuing to throw down, and for letting Canada know they cannot force Indigenous people off our lands with their assault rifles and their military force.
We won’t back down.
Thank you for making this your fight too.
It’s time to remind Canada that all lands are sacred.
#WATERISLIFE #WETSUWETENSTRONG #UNISTOTEN
Donate to our legal fund: https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/unistoten2020legalfund
Other ways to support: http://unistoten.camp/supportertoolkit2020/

CBC News
2.8.2020 at 4:57 PM

We’tsuwet’en supporters block trains, delay traffic.
Supporters of the Wet’suwet’en in Ontario are blocking a rail line in solidarity with the hereditary chiefs.
Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/1.5457149

Members of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory moved a dump truck with a snowplow toward a rail line in a protest Thursday supporting the Wet’suwet’en opponents of a natural gas pipeline in B.C. (Courtesy Oyohserase Maracle)

CN Rail has obtained a court injunction to end a demonstration by members of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory that’s halted rail traffic between Toronto and both Ottawa and Montreal for three days, according to a copy of the judgment obtained by CBC News.
The injunction, which does not name any individual, was issued by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto on Friday.
It forbids any continued interference with the rail line under the threat of arrest, and was served to demonstrators by CN police Saturday afternoon.
Members of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory have been protesting along the rail lines that cut along the territory’s border near Belleville, Ont. — located between Ottawa and Toronto — in support of the Wet’suwet’en Nation in British Columbia.
Tensions continue to rise between RCMP and Wet’suwet’en amid pipeline dispute
The protesters have said they will stop train traffic until the RCMP leave Wet’suwet’en territory, where a recent court injunction ordered protesters to leave and clear the way for work on the Coastal GasLink pipeline.

CN obtains injunction to end Tyendinaga Mohawk rail demonstration. Passenger, freight rail trains have been cancelled due to blockade near Belleville, Ont., Jorge Barrera · CBC News · Feb 08, 2020

Posted in #NDAPL, civil disobedience, climate change, decolonize, Indigenous, Uncategorized, Unist'ot'en, Wet’suwet’en | Leave a comment

We in the U.S. should act in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en peoples

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Jeff Kisling

The mainstream media continues to be silent on climate chaos, Indigenous rights, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) invasion of Wet’suwet’en territories. Just a week ago nearly 1,000 people came together for a Climate Crisis Parade here in Iowa. The purpose was to try to get the attention of the concentration of media that were here to cover the Iowa Caucuses, to no avail. The media silence continues to be stunning. (Following are some photos from that parade).

Climate Crisis Parade, Des Moines, Iowa 2.1.2020

As a result of the media blackout, few people in the U.S. are aware of the RCMP’s attempts to invade the Wet’suwet’en people’s territory. There a several reasons why I believe it is important for us to learn about and support the Wet’suwet’en. You can really make a difference by using social media to share stories, videos and your own words. I’ve written quite a few blog posts about these things: https://kislingjeff.wordpress.com/ Feel free to use any of the text or photos from those posts.

It is morally wrong to continue the centuries long processes of removing Indigenous peoples from their land in the first place. There will never be healing from the colonization that has taken place until we acknowledge what happened. And there can definitely be no healing as long as our governments continue the oppression and removal of Indigenous peoples.
The United Nations adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) to delineate what Indigenous peoples rights are globally.
Fossil fuel mining and building fossil fuel infrastructure must stop right now. Any fossil fuel burning adds greenhouse gases to an already overwhelmed Mother Earth.
Environmental devastation is global. What happens in Canada will affect everyone and everything on Mother Earth.
Indigenous peoples and their supporters are doing amazing work to tell the stories of what is happening on the Wet’suwet’en territory. It is important that we in the U.S. join those efforts. We need to educate our friends and neighbors. Below are some photos from a vigil we held in Des Monies, Iowa, in Solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en. Please do what you can in your communities.
Thank you

It’s up to us to amplify the direct content coming from Wet’suwet’en and get the videos and articles to our friends, co workers, and neighbors.
Share the articles and videos on social media, invite your friends to follow camp social media handles, write emails to your contacts explaining what’s happening and sharing content. Have conversations with people in your community! Help people understand what Canada is doing and why Canada is being shut down!

It’s up to us to get this out into the world!

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples delineates and defines the individual and collective rights of Indigenous peoples, including their ownership rights to cultural and ceremonial expression, identity, language, employment, health, education and other issues. It “emphasizes the rights of Indigenous peoples to maintain and strengthen their own institutions, cultures and traditions, and to pursue their development in keeping with their own needs and aspirations”. It “prohibits discrimination against indigenous peoples”, and it “promotes their full and effective participation in all matters that concern them and their right to remain distinct and to pursue their own visions of economic and social development”.
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Article 10 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states: Indigenous peoples shall not be forcibly removed from their lands or territories. No relocation shall take place without the free, prior and informed consent of the indigenous peoples concerned and after agreement on just and fair compensation and, where possible, with the option of return.
UNDRIP Article 10: No Forced Removal

UPDATES

On the morning of February 8th, 2020, RCMP officers landed at the gates of Unist’ot’en Village by helicopter. Unist’ot’en chiefs and house members began calling on their ancestors for support. They held a cremation ceremony for Canadian/Indigenous reconciliation, and burned a copy of the injunction that the RCMP was there to serve on behalf of Coastal GasLink (TC Energy). After about 30 minutes, the RCMP got back into their helicopters and left.
11 People including legal observers were arrested today at the camp at 27 kilometer on bogus charges.

The 4 people arrested at 27 km yesterday are being held in jail until they appear before a judge in Smithers on Monday

In response rail lines, ports, and roads are being shut down across Canada with people vowing to stay until the RCMP stand down!

Keep up the pressure and organize an action or Find an Action Near you!

If you’re in Vancouver join the ongoing port shutdown at Clark and Hasting
Sign and Share this Petition to Justin Trudeau

Support and share Unist’ot’en Legal Fund:
https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/unistoten2020legalfund

Use and share the Supporter Toolkit:
unistoten.camp/supportertoolkit2020/ GET BEYOND THE MEDIA

Mainstream media coverage of what’s happening has been overall strongly pro industry and has failed to meaningfully cover the voices of indigenous people on the frontlines.

It’s up to us to amplify the direct content coming from Wet’suwet’en and get the videos and articles to our friends, co workers, and neighbours.

Share the articles and videos on social media, invite your friends to follow camp social media handles, write emails to your contacts explaining what’s happening and sharing content. Have conversations with people in your community! Help people understand what Canada is doing and why Canada is being shut down!

It’s up to us to get this out into the world!

ARTICLES TO SHARE

RCMP Arrive at Unist’ot’en Healing Centre as Injunction Enforcement Continues

Shut Down Canada: Gidemt’en Spokesperson Calls for People to take to the Streets

Why are Indigenous Rights Being Defined by an Energy Corporation

Posted in #NDAPL, climate change, decolonize, Uncategorized, Unist'ot'en, Wet’suwet’en | 1 Comment

Quakers, social justice and revolution

Wet’suwet’en Peoples’ Leadership

Solidarity continues 2.10.2020

To be released

RCMP move in and arrest Unist’ot’en Matriarchs

Unist’ot’en Matriarchs Arrested. Stand with Unist’ot’en Now

Unist’ot’en Village surrounded by RCMP

BREAKING: Arrests are being made now at the Unist’ot’en camp.

STAND DOWN, COME IN

Wet’suwet’en is a Nation; Yin’tah is a Country. Canada is a Nation-State

The following video is disturbing and not for children to see.

Callout for Support at Port of Vancouver

Wet’Suwet’en Solidarity Continues 2.9.2020

Wet’suwet’en Update 2.9.2020

We in the U.S. should act in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en peoples

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