Alderville First Nation Chief Dave Mowat and Council have issued a statement declaring their full support for Wet’suwet’en.
The statement reads as follows:
Alderville First Nation Chief and Council declare our full support for the Wet’suwet’en hereditary leaders and peoples and the struggle in protecting their aboriginal title and land base. In 1997 the Delgamuukw decision brought down by the Supreme Court of Canada provided an in-depth account of aboriginal title claimed and proven by the Wet’suwet’en and Gitxsan peoples in British Columbia. This case is critically important and is a core element in this current dispute. Aboriginal title is not a fiction, it is not simply an inconvenience for those corporate and political agendas that help drive the erosion of aboriginal lands, of natural resources, literally of biodiversity. It is real and must be understood and respected or any hope for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s reconciliation agenda is dead.
The history of Alderville First Nation is in part one of encroachment and the imposition of colonial law designed to break the back of the people. We too have had our immense struggles in holding on to and protecting our rightful place, our lands, and presence in society. Our voices historically have been silenced too often. As a result, we fully support the voice of the Wet’suwet’en and the requirement of their full, free, prior and informed consent not only over the natural gas project occurring at present but for all such projects that stand to impact their lands. Anything less is unacceptable because to reiterate, their aboriginal title is real and intact!
Chief and Council also respect the concern and the focus our membership is placing on this issue, and in our young people for your willingness to engage and stand up in support. This is a turning point in Canadian history, and we are all a part of that history. We also ask that peaceful expressions of support be employed (in all instances across Turtle Island), and that education and the understanding of aboriginal title remain at the centre of that support. Learn it, discuss it, express it in a way that educates and informs. By not losing sight of this and by understanding its critical importance in this struggle the collective voice of Alderville First Nation shall be heard loud and clear alongside the Wet’suwet’en and all Indigenous people!
Chi Miigwech
The Chief and Council of Alderville First Nation
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
