Many Gidimt’en Land Defenders and Supporters Released on Varying Conditions

A number of high profile Wet’suwet’en land defenders have been released on conditions following court appearances in Prince George.

Nearly 30 Gidimt’en members were arrested during the RCMP’s enforcement of a pipeline injunction last week.

Among them were spokesperson Sleydo, also known as Molly Wickham, Hereditary Chief Woos’ daughter, and a number of non-Wet’suwet’en supporters.

Most of the Wet’suwet’en members were released on the conditions they remain 10 metres away from Coastal GasLink worksites and equipment.

Conditions for Sleydo were significantly harsher, requiring her to remain 75 metres away.

Opponents argued for even stricter restrictions, but the court said harsher penalties would infringe on her rights to practice her culture as a Wet’suwet’en woman.

Arrested non-Wet’suwet’en members received even harsher restrictions, only allowing them to return to worksite exclusion zones to collect their belongings.

Many of the arrested land defenders say they faced harsh treatment and were discriminated against while in custody.

A video of the arrests at Coyote Camp has been released to the Gidimt’en Access Twitter page, which you can follow this link to.