Prayers for Peacemakers 4 March 2020

Facebook
Twitter
Email
WhatsApp
Print

Please pray for Wet’suwet’en land defenders and their allies in the lands known as Canada. For years, Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs have led nonviolent resistance to the construction of oil and gas pipelines across their unceded land, which lies between the Alberta tar sands and the port of Kitimat on the west coast. The proposed pipelines would allow for the expansion of the Alberta tar sands, already considered the largest and most destructive industrial project in the world.

Between 6 and 10 February, militarized police invaded Wet’suwet’en territory with helicopters, automatic weapons, and attack dogs, and arrested Indigenous land defenders and their allies. Those arrested included Wet’suwet’en clan matriarchs, leaders from other First Nations, and CPTers present as legal observers. Journalists were detained and prevented from filming the arrests. Immediately after the invasion, contractors from Coastal GasLink began pipeline construction work.

Since then, allies across Canada have taken action in solidarity. The Mohawk communities of Tyendinaga and Kahnawake have blocked major rail lines for two weeks. Other groups have held rallies and direct actions, including several brief rail blockades. On 24 February police violently raided the blockade at Tyendinaga, and have since arrested people at other direct actions as well. CPTers have accompanied land defenders at Tyendinaga and participated in direct actions elsewhere.

Finally, the Canadian government and Coastal GasLink have agreed to negotiate with Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs, and talks have begun. Please pray that government and corporate negotiators participate in these negotiations in good faith and recognize the sovereignty of the Wet’suwet’en nation. Please pray for those who have suffered trauma due to police violence. Please pray for land defenders and their allies who continue to take action.

Read More Stories

A roadside wall with an inscription that reads "human rights graveyard"

The “Deadly End” of migrant management

A report released by CPT-Aegean Migrant Solidarity documents the deaths of migrants in Moria’s Reception and Identification Centre between 2016 and 2020 in Lesvos, Greece.

A roadside wall with an inscription that reads "human rights graveyard"

Deadly End

A new report by CPT Aegean Migrant Solidarity documents the deaths of migrants and the Moria Reception and Identification Centre between 2016 and 2022.

Septermber Supper Fundraiser

Will you host a dinner party for CPT?

CPT really needs your support in raising $10k in September. Unfortunately, we are behind our financial targets and need your help. We want to dedicate the month of September to bringing people together around the dinner table. You can choose the date, who you invite and what you cook (though our teams have some great recipes prepared!) We’d love to hear if you’d be interested. 

There’s no commitment needed at this stage.

Skip to content