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RCMP roadblock lifted, allowing supporters and media access to Unist'ot'en anti-pipeline camp
09/01/19
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Hereditary chiefs expected to give update on talks with RCMP when media reach camp
Jan 09, 2019
RCMP have opened their roadblock on a remote forest road in northern B.C., allowing access to a camp that has been the focal point of a First Nations protest against a proposed natural gas pipeline, about 300 kilometres west of Prince George.
After a day and a half of talks, Wet'suwet'en Nation hereditary chiefs reached an agreement with the RCMP that includes opening the area that had been off limits to supporters and the media since Monday. Police them entered a fortified checkpoint at the Gidimt'en camp and arrested 14 people.
The Mounties are enforcing a court injunction granting workers with the Coastal GasLink natural gas pipeline project access to a road and bridge from which they had been blocked by opponents of the project. The pipeline project is run by TransCanada Corp., now officially known as TC Energy, and is meant to transport natural gas from northeastern B.C. to the coast, where a liquefied natural gas project is scheduled for construction.
Elders, supporters and media are now moving to the Unist'ot'en camp, where they will present further details of the agreement.
Members of the Wet'suwet'en Nation established the camps with fortified checkpoints, saying Coastal GasLink workers can only pass if they have consent from hereditary leaders.
Chiefs in discussions
The hereditary chiefs spent several hours on Tuesday meeting with the RCMP and among themselves to talk about next steps.
In an open letter posted on the company's website, Coastal GasLink president Rick Gateman wrote it was "unfortunate the RCMP were forced to take this action."
"We took legal action as a last resort and only after six years of unsuccessful efforts to find a mutual solution," the letter reads in part.
"We respect the rights of individuals to peacefully express their point of view, as long as their activities do not disrupt or jeopardize the safety of the public, our employees, our contractors, and even themselves."
With files from Chantelle Bellrichard
