The Wet’suwet’en Nation Divided in Two
Written by: Randall Biscup
The Wet’suwet’en people
are divided over whether to support or protest a new $6 billion natural gas
pipeline project through their territory. The pipeline project dispute is
splitting families apart. Pictured above
is a supporter of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs by blocking a CN Rail
Line.
The Wet’suwet’en First
Nation is a First Nation band that is located outside the village of Burns
Lake, British Columbia, Canada. The Nation was formerly known as the Broman
Lake Indian Band, and is still usually referred to as, although this is no
longer it’s official name. The Wet’suwet’en have roughly 255 members that live
on or off the reservation. The Reservation has currently a lumber industry that
is struggling to keep jobs. Which in turn, has the pipeline project a real big
eye opener to future generations. That should have promising jobs and
economical opportunities.
The Coastal GasLink
pipeline, Calgary based company, would move natural gas from northeastern
British Columbia to the West Coast for export. That would create jobs and have
financial benefits for the struggling economy. Which is the reason why 20
elected First Nation signed their support of the $6 billion project. However,
the hereditary chiefs are opposed to the construction stating that the project
will violate their recognized rights over the territory. Due to the disputes
and differences members of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation are running
checkpoints. The checkpoints are to oppose a pipeline to be built on their
traditional territory. The hereditary chiefs and their supporters are opposed
to the pipeline due to damaging the watershed and destroying the wildlife and
their habitat.
200 people, for 3 hours,
packed a movie theater in the community of Houston, a town of about 3000 people
in northwestern British Columbia in the heart of the Wet’suwet’en Nation. This
turned out to be a pro pipeline event, and supporters explained why they
support the project The answer is clear----well paid jobs, and more economic
opportunities. The community wasn’t to see more people working, and providing
for their families. Robert Skin, a council member of Skin Tyee First Nation,
says, “The pipeline will mean a better life for the next generation.”
“Protesters get only one side of the story and don’t understand the advantages
this type of infrastructure project can provide” he also says. Due to the fact
of the regions struggling lumber industry.
The protests are being
resented because they are not helping the community, but causing conflict and
differences, and thus becoming a distraction for the Wet’suwet’en people. The
supporters want the First Nation to be a part of Canada, and not separated from
it. A nearby reservation named Witset Nation, which is part of the Wet’suwet’en
Nation, is split almost evenly. Edward Tom, community liaison and monitor of
construction projects states, “The protesters are very pugnacious and
overbearing, they are professional protesters. They are liars and they are
doing more harm than good for the community.”
Protesters across the
country don’t understand the issue at hand, and don’t realize many of the
Wet’suwet’en people want the project to be built. Many supporters have faced
countless intimidation and threats by other community members. My opinion is
flexing your muscle doesn’t solve anything in this day of age. I think what is
best for the community.
Marion Tiljoe Shephers
shared her frustrations as well. Marion owns a trucking company in nearby
Houston. She believes the pipeline will be built in hopes of economic benefits
and a financial boost to her business. She stammers, “ Protesters don’t speak
for, nor represent my community.” “Its none of their business. All these
protesters don’t have the right to close down railways and ships. Its not
right. Go away. I want them to leave!” Clearly she frustrated with the
protesters.
The protesting did work
because an agreement was made to not build the pipeline, at least not now, but
maybe in the future.
Sources:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/wet-suwet-en-coastal-gas-link-pipeline-lng-1.5469401
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