On Truth and Reconciliation Day, we pause to reflect on Canada’s history with Indigenous peoples and the long road to healing the impacts of colonization. As part of this reflection, it’s crucial to recognize the current battles being fought for Indigenous rights, sovereignty, and environmental protection—one of the most significant being the ongoing struggle of the Wet’suwet’en Nation.
The Wet’suwet’en Fight for Their Land
For years, the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs and land defenders have been at the forefront of resistance against the construction of the Coastal GasLink (CGL) pipeline on their unceded territory. This pipeline, designed to transport natural gas from British Columbia to an LNG export terminal in Kitimat, has moved forward without the free, prior, and informed consent of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary leadership. Despite their clear opposition, much of the pipeline’s construction is nearing completion, with plans for it to be operational by 2025.
However, the impact of this pipeline is not just about industrial development—it threatens critical ecosystems, traditional food sources, and cultural practices that are deeply tied to the land. The Wet’suwet’en Nation has been clear: this is about protecting their way of life, not only for themselves but for future generations.
To learn more about the Wet’suwet’en Nation’s fight for their rights and land, visit CBC’s coverage of Amnesty International calls for Wet'suwet'en chief's release and Amnesty International’s Wet’suwet’en Campaign Updates.
Ongoing Criminalization of Land Defenders
Despite the peaceful nature of much of the resistance, land defenders have faced intense criminalization and harassment. There have been multiple large-scale RCMP raids on the territory, resulting in the arrests of dozens of defenders, some of whom are now facing criminal contempt charges for standing in opposition to the pipeline. Amnesty International has decried these actions as a violation of human rights, emphasizing that the Wet’suwet’en are exercising their rightful sovereignty and environmental stewardship.
To see firsthand accounts of the challenges Wet’suwet’en land defenders face, you can watch Democracy Now!’s coverage of Wet’suwet’en land defenders and Canadian police raids.
The Bigger Picture: Indigenous Sovereignty and Colonialism
The Coastal GasLink project is just one chapter in a larger story about Indigenous sovereignty in Canada. For centuries, Indigenous peoples have been fighting against colonial policies that have sought to assimilate them into settler society and dispossess them of their lands. As the Wet’suwet’en Nation resists this pipeline, they are challenging not only environmental degradation but also the ongoing colonial dynamics that undermine Indigenous self-governance.
In the words of Chief Howilhkat, Freda Huson, of the Wet’suwet’en Dark House Clan: “We are obligated to protect our ways of life for our babies unborn.” Their fight is about ensuring that their lands remain intact, their culture remains alive, and their people continue to thrive.
If you want to explore how grassroots movements are working to support Indigenous sovereignty, Dogwood BC’s coverage provides further insights into local campaigns and activism.
A Call to Stand in Solidarity
As we reflect on the meaning of Truth and Reconciliation Day, it’s important to remember that reconciliation is not just about acknowledging the past—it’s about standing in solidarity with Indigenous nations in the present. The Wet’suwet’en struggle reminds us that the fight for land, culture, and justice is ongoing and that we all have a role to play in supporting Indigenous rights.
By raising awareness, supporting frontline defenders, and amplifying Indigenous voices, we contribute to a future where sovereignty is respected, and justice prevails.
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To learn more about the Wet’suwet’en Nation and their fight for their rights and land, please visit these resources:
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About the Author: Lisa Smith is the Director of Operations at Keys Marketing Group, where she leads impactful fundraising campaigns for charities and non-profits across Canada. With over a decade of experience in the non-profit and marketing sectors, Lisa is passionate about supporting causes that champion human rights, Indigenous sovereignty, and environmental protection. An award-winning leader in the industry, she holds an EMBA from Quantic and a BFA from the University of Regina. Today, Lisa is committed to advancing conversations around reconciliation, Indigenous rights, and the importance of community action.
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