"We don't want that pipeline," says Wet'suwet'en hereditary chief

Summary

The transcript features a conversation with Wet'suwet'en hereditary Chief Jim, who discusses the ongoing conflict with the Canadian government over the Coastal GasLink pipeline. Chief Jim criticizes Prime Minister Trudeau's call for the removal of barricades without addressing the underlying injustices faced by indigenous peoples. He emphasizes the need for genuine dialogue and decision-making power from government representatives. The hereditary Chiefs have demanded the pipeline's evacuation from their territories, a demand ignored since January 4th. The RCMP's agreement to leave the territory is seen as insufficient, with their continued presence causing distress. The indigenous people are tired of the RCMP's broken promises and the government's disregard for their concerns. Chief Jim expresses a willingness to meet with decision-makers but highlights the frustration of government ministers who lack the authority to make decisions. The meeting with the Mohawk leadership reflects shared values and a mutual commitment to protecting indigenous lands and people, drawing parallels to the 1990 Oka Crisis and the broader indigenous movement across North America.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The hereditary chiefs and Wet'suwet'en leadership are frustrated with Prime Minister Trudeau's approach to dialogue and his insistence on removing barricades without addressing underlying issues.
• 🏛️ There is a call for dialogue that includes decision-makers within the government, rather than just ministers who cannot make binding decisions.
• 🚧 The Prime Minister's request to remove blockades is seen as prioritizing inconvenience over the injustices faced by indigenous peoples.
• 🤝 The hereditary chiefs have formed alliances with other indigenous groups, like the Mohawks, who share similar struggles and values.
• 📢 The eviction notice for the Coastal GasLink pipeline from Wet'suwet'en territory, issued on January 4th, has been ignored, leading to continued resistance.
• 🚨 The RCMP's agreement to leave the territory was seen as insufficient, as they plan to relocate to a nearby town, maintaining their presence and influence.
• 🛑 The indigenous people are tired of the RCMP's harassment, illegal arrests, and broken promises, leading to a lack of trust in the police force.
• 🌐 There is a growing movement among indigenous people across Canada and North America who are fed up with government neglect and mistreatment.
• ✋ The hereditary chiefs are clear in their demand that the Coastal GasLink pipeline must not proceed through their territories.
• 🤔 There is skepticism about the government's willingness to engage in genuine dialogue without preconceived notions about the outcome.
• 🤝 The meeting between Mohawk protesters and Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs focused on mutual support and shared goals of protecting indigenous lands and rights.

Q & A

What did Chief Lost say during the press conference regarding the comparison of inconveniences to injustice?

Chief Lost eloquently stated that there is no comparison between inconveniences and injustice, emphasizing the severity of the issues at hand.

What was the reaction to Prime Minister Trudeau's statement that the blockades must come down?

The reaction was critical, highlighting that Trudeau has not effectively created dialogue and has sent ministers without clear direction or agenda to address the issues.

What is one of the major issues faced by the Wet'suwet'en people?

One of the major issues is the eviction of the Coastal GasLink pipeline from their territories, which has been ignored since the eviction notice was issued on January 4th.

How do the indigenous people across Canada feel about the government's treatment of their concerns?

Indigenous people across Canada are becoming increasingly frustrated and are rising up against the government's pattern of ignoring their concerns and the perceived arrogance of the RCMP.

What was the response to the RCMP's agreement to leave the territory?

The response was that it was not enough of a gesture of goodwill, as the RCMP planned to move their office to a town only 29 kilometers away, where their presence would still be felt.

What is the stance of the Wet'suwet'en people regarding the Coastal GasLink pipeline?

The Wet'suwet'en people are adamant about not wanting the pipeline through their territories and are prepared to fight against it to the end.

What has been the issue with the government's approach to dialogue with the indigenous people?

The issue is that the government has not personally contacted the indigenous people for dialogue, instead sending ministers who are not in a position to make decisions, leading to frustration.

What is the significance of the meeting between the Mohawk protesters and the Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs?

The meeting signifies a shared alliance based on common interests and values, with both groups seeking to protect their lands and people from external threats.

What was discussed during the meeting between the Mohawk people and the Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs?

The discussion revolved around mutual support and the shared goal of protecting their territories and people, reflecting on similar struggles and historical events like the 1990 Oka Crisis.

What is the Wet'suwet'en people's position on the possibility of meeting with the Prime Minister?

They have expressed willingness to sit down with decision-makers within the government offices, but have found it frustrating that the Prime Minister and others have not personally contacted them.

What is the Wet'suwet'en people's demand regarding the Coastal GasLink pipeline?

Their demand is clear: they want the Coastal GasLink pipeline to leave their territories, and they are not willing to consider any preconceived ideas that do not include this option.