Statement on Memorandum of Understanding from Gidemt’en Access Point
In the last week the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary chiefs have reached an important memorandum of understanding with the province and federal government to recognize their title moving forward. The agreement is an important victory that was made possible because people have been willing to struggle and force the government to come to the table, but it does not address the conflict with CGL and the RCMP and that struggle continues. See the full statement from Gidemt’en Access Point below.
This Thursday at Noon Freda Huson, Molly Wickham, and many more powerful speakers or holding an online rally to give updates on the struggle and demand that KKR, a crucial potential investor for CGL, not fund Coastal Gas Link.
During these difficult times we remember our teachings and our laws. Our Dinï ze’ reminisce and discuss these destructive changes.
We echo our neighbours and relatives “Heal the land, heal the people” and encourage everyone to prepare for the worst as we pray for the best. Keep your language speakers safe and lean into the land for health and safety.
Hereditary Chief Gisday’wa speaking about meeting with Mohawks:
“When I thanked them for everything they’ve done for us, they shake my and and said ‘No. We thank you. You guys are the heroes for what you’re doing for your territory.’ That’s why they’re backing us up. Same with the young people in Vancouver and everywhere. If we’re not happy with what’s happening, we’ll stop Canada again. The Mohawks are ready, all across Canada people are ready.”
Statement from Wet’suwet’en Access Point on Gidemt’en Territory
AGREEMENT TO DISCUSS TITLE DOES NOT ADDRESS ONGOING CONFLICT WITH CGL
As a result of the conflict with Coastal Gaslink (CGL) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s (RCMP) specialized industry task force Community Industry Response Group (CIRG), the provincial and federal governments came to the table to discuss title implementation with the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs. The Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between the Hereditary Chiefs and both levels of government does not directly address CGL or the RCMP on Wet’suwet’en yintah.
Along with thousands of our supporters across Turtle Island, we hoped that these discussions could end the conflict on the ground in Wet’suwet’en territory, although this is a step in the right direction, CGL continues to trespass on Wet’suwet’en territory in direct violation of the eviction order enforced by the Hereditary Chiefs on January 4th, 2020. RCMP and CIRG continue to patrol, surveil and harass people on our territories and threaten them with arrest while CGL continues to work.
We would like to clearly inform our supporters that the conflict with CGL and RCMP continues. We continue to oppose this project and the eviction order provided by the Chiefs still stands. In response, we have asked supporters to continue with safe and social distancing solidarity actions. We appreciate your unwavering support to this struggle and recognize that the outcome of this fight for our lands and water will have far reaching repercussions for every Indigenous nation across so-called ‘canada’ for generations to come.
Further, we are pleased with the innovative ways support has continued, accounting for the health risks of COVID19. We encourage everyone to stay safe and practise physical distancing at this critical time– keeping our sacred knowledge keepers, language speakers, and vulnerable populations safe.
Efforts have included:
* Virtual rallies and petitions to investors of CGL and LNG Canada
* Film screenings and discussions
* Weekly virtual info sessions
* Lobbying governments (Bulkley Valley Regional District and Municipalities) to address RCMP and CGL contribution to the spread of COVID 19 in our communities.
The details of Wet’suwet’en title discussions are not public, however, we can expect the success or failure of the ratification process to be announced by the nation within the next few months. Until then, we continue to oppose this project and demand that CGL and RCMP get out and stay out of Wet’suwet’en yintah.
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