UPDATE 2:
9 of the 14 individuals arrested yesterday have signed their undertaking, and been released, while the 5 others will appear in court in Prince George on Monday.
Unofficial reports say that around 10 were arrested during the enforcement at Coyote Camp today.
UPDATE:
Today, RCMP continued their efforts to tear down blockades on either side of the camp, eventually making it to the Tiny House on site.
According to land defenders at the site, police have now made their way inside the cabin, despite no warrant being presented.
While further arrests have not been announced yet, the 14 arrested yesterday were scheduled to stand trial at 1:30 this morning.
Other First Nations, including some from the Gitxsan, have been showing their solidarity by shutting down roads across the country.
Original:
14 people have been arrested as RCMP began their enforcement of an injunction to keep pipeline work operational on Wet’suwet’en territory.
Officers moved in yesterday after Gidimt’en members at the Coyote Camp set up two new blockades on the Morice Forest Service Road.
According to Coastal GasLink, more than 500 employees had been trapped at the camp with dwindling supplies.
Members of the blockade had issued an eviction notice before the blockades were set up, though unconfirmed reports say workers were not adequately notified by CGL.
The eviction notice was a continuation of a previous notice issued by the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs in 2020, as they attempted to prevent drilling under the Wedzin Kwa.
Land and water defenders at the Camp say that officers had been actively blocking medical supplies and elders from accessing the site.
But RCMP claim these assertions are false and that supplies can be left at their Control Point for pickup, and that those attempting to get in are assessed based on requirement.
At least two elders were transferred away from the site for heart-related medical reasons during yesterday’s enforcement.
Blockaders also say that police dogs were sent on site, something the RCMP confirmed, though they say they are only being used to observe.
RCMP say the 14 individuals arrested will stand trial in Smithers today at 1:30, and some of the Gidimt’en are planning a rally at the courthouse.
While RCMP began to tear down either side of the blockades, the Coyote Camp still stands, and they say they will continue to fight for their rights and way of life.
CGL and the RCMP say they have attempted to negotiate an end to the blockades to no avail, while the Gidimt’en say they are open to having discussions with the Prime Minister and Premier.
CGL had negotiated with elected Band councils along the route prior to construction, which is more than half complete, but not with the Hereditary Chiefs.
*This story will be updated throughout the day*
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