Coastal GasLink: Two Arrested When Protests Break Out Again at BC Site

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The RCMP says they are negotiating with protesters who have taken control of a Coastal GasLink construction site in northern British Columbia as tensions around the natural gas project rise again.

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Last year’s protests against the pipeline in Wet’suwet’en First Nation territory triggered rail blockades across the country, and protesters in the latest dispute issued a press release accusing police of using excessive force during the arrests.

Dawn Roberts, a RCMP spokeswoman, said two people were arrested last week at the site near Houston, BC, and that Coastal GasLink staff have not been able to work there since Sept. 20.

An open letter from more than two dozen archaeologists to the BC Archeology Branch criticized Coastal GasLink’s work, saying the company and the BC government did not properly consult Wet’suwet’en and could lead to the destruction of indigenous artifacts.

TC Energy, which owns the project, refuted the allegations in a statement, saying it had engaged with the Wet’suwet’en Office and unearthed and salvaged artifacts under the supervision of a trained archaeologist.

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Indigenous Relations Minister Murray Rankin said the pipeline project has been approved by elected indigenous leaders and the provincial government is working with hereditary chiefs to reach an agreement on rights and titles.

The 670-kilometer Coastal GasLink pipeline was approved by both the province and the 20 elected First Nations councils along its route to transport natural gas from northeastern British Columbia to a processing and export facility off the coast of Kitimat.

However, the hereditary chiefs of Wet’suwet’en claimed that the project had no authority without consent through its traditional system of government, inspiring supporters across the country to act in solidarity.

The open letter signed by 25 archeology professionals and academics from Canada and the United States says the work and alleged damage at the Lamprey Creek site could have a large effect on future studies, and consultation with indigenous groups would have. demonstrated.

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“You would have realized that the destruction of archaeological resources – non-renewable resources – … will result in the erasure of much of the context associated with the Ts’elkay Kwe Ceek cultural landscape,” the letter read on the traditional name of the territory. where the work is being done.

The TC Energy statement said it has worked with indigenous communities and representatives to ensure the work can be done safely.

“Coastal GasLink has engaged with Indigenous communities to ensure an open and constructive dialogue to protect Indigenous cultural heritage and values,” the company said.

He said 21 artifacts were discovered at the site between 2015 and 2020.