Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde has released a statement on the situation in Wet’suwet’en territory.
“I am urging peace and I condemn any acts of violence in enforcing the injunction brought against the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs and their supporters. The use of force against peaceful people is a violation of human rights and First Nations’ rights. The RCMP is sworn to uphold Canada’s law, but Canada must respect First Nations laws and Wet’suwet’en laws. Canada’s highest law – the Constitution – affirms in section 35 the inherent rights of First Nations and our right to self-determination.”
He goes on to say that reconciliation can never be achieved through force. The government should be honouring the rights and title of First Nations in their traditional territories. The only way to resolve this matter is through peaceful talks.
Bellegarde closes by saying the Assembly of First Nations supports the governance and decision-making process of the Wet’suwet’en leaders.
