In the News June 11

Defend the Right of Wet’suwet’en to Uphold Their Hereditary Rights

Criminalization of Land Defenders Continues

On June 2, Gidimt’en Checkpoint confirmed that “Yesterday the Crown prosecution decided to pursue criminal contempt charges against everyone that was arrested at Gidimt’en Checkpoint village site (15) including legal observers. The criminalization of Indigenous land defenders goes against our inherent rights and title.

“The decision to pursue criminal contempt for those at Coyote Camp will be announced on July 7th, including charges against Sleydo’ and nine others.

“In previous cases the Attorney General cited it would not be in the public interest. We will always uphold Wet’suwet’en law and responsibility.”

Calls for a letter campaign to and other ways to support can be found on their website: yintahaccess.com

Sample Letter to Attorney General David Eby

Honourable David Eby Attorney General
PO Box 9044 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC, V8W 9E2
AG.Minister@gov.bc.ca
Phone: 250 387-1866
Fax: 250 387-6411

Dear Mr. Eby,

I am writing as a concerned citizen about the human rights violations and violations of the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People, among other things, that have been happening in Wet’suwet’en Territory. The Hereditary Chiefs have repeatedly stated they do not consent to this pipeline and people are being arrested for upholding their laws through their traditional governance system which has been recognized through the Delgamuukw-Gisdaywa Supreme Court of Canada victory December 11, 1997.

Recently, your office agreed to intervene to criminalize Indigenous land defenders that were arrested on November 18th. I urge you to decline intervention on July 7th against Sleydo’ and others arrested on November 19th, 2021. That would further criminalize the land defenders currently facing charges as Coastal GasLink is requesting. Violently entering homes without warrants is not the process for dealing with Wet’suwet’en sovereignty.

The Hereditary Chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en Nation have stated their position and are defending their territory and sacred headwaters Wedzin Kwa as they have done since time immemorial. We as guests on unceded land need to respect the decisions of the Hereditary Chiefs and enact reconciliation instead of disrespecting and criminalizing them further for practicing their culture and laws.

Sincerely,
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TML Daily, posted June 11, 2022.