We, a coalition of organizers from Tkaronto, have arrived in Wet’suwet’en Territory! In the past months Coastal Gas Link (CGL), with government and RCMP support, have continued to build a pipeline through Wet’suwet’en Territory, demolishing ancient sites and threatening the sacred waters of the Wedzin Kwa – all without the consent of the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs. We have responded to the invitation from Wet’suwet’en Land Defenders, and we are here to show our unequivocal support. As a coalition representing Neighbourhood Pods TO, Movement Defence Committee – Law Union of Ontario, Ontario Coalition Against Poverty, Mining Injustice Solidarity Network, World Beyond War, and CPT – Turtle Island Solidarity Network we add our voices to their demand that CGL halts all construction on Wet’suwet’en Territory.
The construction of the pipeline is part of the roadmap of colonialism carried out by both corporations and the Canadian government that seeks to violently displace Indigenous Peoples for settler industry and capital gains. In recent weeks, we have witnessed the RCMP harassing Land Defenders, dumping their drinking water, and torturing an ally. This colonial violence seeks to force Indigenous Land Defenders and their supporters into submission. Yet the Wet’suwet’en Land Defenders have continued to resist and stand their ground.
Across so-called Canada, violent displacement for the profit and comfort of the rich is not new, but rather common practise. This summer in Toronto, encampments were demolished as the Toronto Police beat, pepper-sprayed, arrested, and displaced the residents and their supporters. Encampments have been safe spaces for those who are unsheltered to build community and organize. The demolishing of the encampments was a clear message from the city – Toronto is for the rich, and those that challenge this notion will face violence at the hands of the state.
Our solidarity also extends internationally to comrades who are resisting colonialism. In Silwan and Sheikh Jarrah, Palestinians have been defending their land against Israel’s attempts to remove them. In Tamil Eelam, Tamils have been resisting Sinhla occupation and the take over of their lands. And in Colombia, small-scale farmers are fighting back as palm oil companies displace them.
Today as we arrive in Wet’suwet’en Territory, we join the Wet’suwet’en Land Defenders and demand an end to the CGL Pipeline and the state violence that accompanies it. As a coalition of organizers, we are committed to decolonization in Tkaronto, across Turtle Island, and around the world.
