Six people were arrested at a camp on traditional Wet’suwet’en territory as RCMP conducted a pre-dawn raid to enforce an injunction order against those blocking construction of the Coastal GasLink pipeline in northern B.C.
According to supporters of the blockade, more than a dozen RCMP officers moved past the police checkpoint on Morice Forest Service Road early Thursday morning.
“It’s a whole damn army up there,” said Wet’suwet’en hereditary Chief Woos, who also goes by the name Frank Alec.
“They’ve got guns on, they’ve got tactical gear on. They look like they’re ready for war.”
The arrests were made at kilometre 39 — one of three camps built by supporters of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs — on the traditional territory near Houston, B.C., Gidimt’en clan spokesperson Molly Wickham said in a Facebook video.
“They’re clearing out 39-kilometre camp, which is the supply camp. We have word they started tearing down the tents,” Wickham told CBC News by phone, just before watching several RCMP trucks drive past her.
“[We’re] frustrated and worried about people.”
In an open letter posted on the Coastal GasLink website, president David Pfeiffer called the situation “disappointing.”
“This is not the outcome we wanted. We have made exceptional efforts to resolve this blockade through engagement and dialogue,” said Pfeiffer.
The RCMP statement said no one will be allowed past the force’s access control checkpoint Thursday while the order is enforced, except enforcement officers and some Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs and elected council members who have an arrangement with a senior RCMP commander.
“Local residents, media and the motoring public may be inconvenienced during the injunction enforcement period,” it said.
‘Absolute outrage’
The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs president called the police action a blow to reconciliation.
“It’s an absolute outrage and deeply frustrating that the RCMP