AMC condemns paramilitary actions of the RCMP on Wet’suwet’en Territory
November 29, 2021
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
alexpapineau
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs issues this statement to add its voice to the many others from all across the country condemning the brutal RCMP paramilitary tactics used in its illegal invasion of First Nation camps located on traditional Wet’suwet’en Territory.
Grand Chief Arlen Dumas stated, “The AMC respects all BC First Nations’ viewpoints and positions on the various pipeline projects taking place on their territories and lands in what is now British Columbia. But the AMC can no longer remain silent in the face of documented RCMP brutality, which has been broadcast around the world and comes amidst a climate crisis, directed at Wet’suwet’en Elders and matriarchs peacefully defending their land and waters from degradation and further exploitation. The RCMP are even arresting journalists who are documenting the civil disobedience in Wet’suwet’en Territory, to keep the world apprised of all First Nations’ viewpoints and to document the lengths provincial and federal governments will go to protect the sources of their revenue base.”
“I condemn in the strongest terms these goon squad tactics of the RCMP that are more common place in far off police states run by authoritarians and dictators rather than in a so called ‘progressive’ country like Canada. I urge the Public Safety Minister to immediately review the conduct of the RCMP on Wet’suwet’en Territory.”
“Like many others across this country,” continued Grand Chief Dumas, “I was horrified to see the RCMP on the news and on social media platforms brutally and illegally chain saw down a locked door of a First Nation constructed and occupied building to enforce a colonial court order, point automatic weapons at unarmed First Nations, and use canine units to arrest Elders and journalists; all this done to carry out a so-called rescue mission for 500 pipeline workers who are allegedly trapped behind the Gidimt’en Checkpoint and Coyote Camp.”
“No matter what a particular First Nation position is on a certain issue, it is never acceptable for the RCMP to attempt to silence the media and use this type of over-the-top aggression on a peaceful First Nation protest or just political action. This type of police aggression and brutality in BC may have implications and affect the well-being of First Nations in other parts of the country, so I urge all sides, in the spirit of the Delgamuukw case, to resolve this confrontation peacefully and with a just outcome for all affected First Nations,” concluded Grand Chief Dumas.