Story 3 – The Wet’suwet’en Protests

The beginning of 2020 was a time of political turmoil and tension across the country as disruptions, railway blockades and protests in cities across the country amplified the message of Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs who opposed a $6.6 billion natural gas pipeline being built by Coastal Gaslink, running through their traditional territory in northern British Columbia.

Canadians were divided on the ordeal, with 56 per cent saying the dispute and the protests were an issue of law and order, wanting them to be broken up and dealt with punitively. Another 44 per cent said this was about Indigenous rights and respect for the environment and should be decided by negotiations and patience. Ultimately, discussions between Wet’suwet’en representatives and both the federal and B.C. governments led to a provisional agreement for land use. The Coastal Gaslink project construction and ongoing litigation both continue.

www.angusreid.org/coastal-gaslink-wetsuweten/

www.angusreid.org/trudeau-coastal-gaslink-wetsuweten-blockades/

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