SECWEPEMEC LAND DEFENDERS STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH WET'SUWET'EN IN THE FACE OF EVICTION FROM THEIR UNCEDED TERRITORY

At 10 o'clock on the morning Monday January 6th, 2019, Secwepemc grass-root land defenders lit a sacred fire in Neskonlith Hall to stand in solidarity and support the Wet'suwet'en as they face harassment and intimidation by a militarized police force poised to infringe the human rights of Indigenous peoples.
 

The Secwepemc and Wet'suwet'en land defenders are standing in defense of their Indigenous human rights, as set out by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to self-determination, to protect their lands, cultures and wellbeing and to a process which respects their free, prior and informed consent on all matters impacting Indigenous Title and Rights.
 

Miranda Dick, keeper of the Secwepemc Sacred Fire, stated that she has called on the RCMP to respect and not interfere with this sacred ceremony, which represents the solidarity between Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island and between the Secwepemc and the Wet'suwet'en for the protection of our cultures, communities and land.
 

The Secwepemc land defenders fully support the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs and their dedication to protecting their lands and their peoples.
 

On Monday the RCMP arrived at lthe Gidimt'en checkpoint, and in surrounding areas, to enforce a court injunction handed down December 28th against the Indigenous land defenders. The Secwepemc land defenders call for peace and an immediate de-escalation of the tension and conflict at Gidimt'en and Unist'ot'en, the RCMP must respect the no-go zones established by the hereditary leadership.
 

"The steadfast protection of our shared environment, territories and natural resources are a sacred responsibility shared by all peoples," stated Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, Chief of the Neskonlith Indian Band. She continued, "Yet the brunt of the provincial and federal governments' blind actions to prop up extractive resource industries continues to be borne by Indigenous land defenders, who only seek the protection of our lands and the health and well-being of all communities that depend on a healthy environment. Now is the time to stand up in support of Indigenous land defenders, human rights, the environment and the well-being of all our communities."
 

For inquiries or more information contact:

Kukpi7 Judy Wilson

Chief, Neskonlith Indian Band Cell: +1 250 320 7738