Indigenous Youth Greet Legislature Opening with Rally Calling for Respect of Wet'suwet'en Law

Indigenous Youth, Supported by Leadership, to Host Rally outside the BC Legislature on Throne Speech Day Calling for Province to Respect Wet’suwet’en Law and End the Violence

by Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs

February 10, 2020
 

The RCMP are carrying out a violent raid on unceded Wet’suwet’en territory under Provincial and Federal watch to enforce Coastal GasLink’s injunction. Indigenous youth, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and allies including ENGOs, municipal, provincial and federal representatives will gather in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en Nation. 

Speakers will respond to the unlawful escalation of the RCMP and violations of Wet’suwet’en law and Indigenous rights taking place under the orders of the injunction. They will also address the lands and waters at stake, and the responsibilities and roles of the Province.

WHEN: February 11, 2020
9:00 a.m. Press Conference
10:00 a.m. Rally

WHERE: Legislative Assembly of British Columbia 

(ceremonial front entrance where Indigenous youth standing 

with the Wet’suwet’en have been occupying for five days)
501 Belleville St, Victoria, BC V8V 2L8
Lekwungen Territories (Victoria) 

MEDIA ADVISORY OF PRESS CONFERENCE AND RALLY:

Preliminary Speakers List:

● Sii-am Hamilton, Indigenous Youth for Wet’suwet’en

● Kolin Sutherland-Wilson, Indigenous Youth for Wet’suwet’en

● Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs

● Chief Don Tom, Vice-President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs

● Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs

“There is no need to use police force at the Unist’ot’en camp. In the event the RCMP were to attempt it again, there would be even more public opposition. I never have and never will support heavy handed police tactics.”- Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, during an interview in 2016.