Policers officers have not directly confirmed or denied rumours of an impending raid of the Unist’ot’en Camp in northwestern B.C., which has long been on their radar for repeatedly denying the oil and gas industry access to its territory.
Corporal Janelle Shoihet, a media relations officer in Surrey, said a press release issued by the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) outlining the “mass arrest operation” is currently under review and no police action has been taken yet.
“We understand that there has been some discussions on social media that don’t accurately reflect the RCMP’s action or the situation,” she told Vancouver Observer in an email statement. “To date, there has been no police action. It is our understanding that discussions between industry and the Wet’suwet’en are still possible.”
Standing in solidarity
“… Police must proceed with the utmost caution in a situation such as this, so as not to interfere with the constitutional rights of the Indigenous people,” wrote BCCLA executive director Josh Paterson. “If the RCMP is, as reported, planning to move in on the camp and remove its members against their will, we urge that this plan be reconsidered.”
…moire…
