Politics Explained: Wet'suwet'en Pipeline Dispute

Introduction

• Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs opposing natural gas pipeline construction in Northern British Columbia.
• Dispute involves traditional Wet'suwet'en territory and pits hereditary chiefs against elected chiefs and councils.
• Concerns over whether the dispute is genuinely about the pipeline or influenced by external environmental groups.

Background

• Location: Northern British Columbia, near Smithers, BC.
• Wet'suwet'en people have two governance systems:
  • Elected Band Councils: Recognized by federal government, part of Indian Act.
  • Hereditary System: Five clans, 13 houses, leadership passed matrilineally.

Pipeline Protests and Divisions

• Protests started in 2020 against RCMP actions in traditional Wet'suwet'en territory.
• Blockades disrupted national infrastructure, including rail lines.
• Protesters claim to "stand in solidarity with the Wet'suwet'en people."
• All 20 elected First Nation bands along the pipeline route support the project.

Governance Conflict

• Elected Band Councils: Signed agreements supporting Coastal GasLink pipeline.
• Hereditary Chiefs: Some oppose the pipeline, supported by environmental groups, Office of the Wet'suwet'en (OW).

Internal Wet'suwet'en Community Issues

• Divisions exacerbated by pipeline debate.
• Allegations of the office of the Wet'suwet'en receiving funding but not benefiting the community.
• Stripping of hereditary titles from female chiefs opposing certain actions.

Protests and Incidents

• 2022: Armed attack on Coastal GasLink worksite; damage caused but no charges yet.
• Protests not always representative of the entire Wet'suwet'en community.
• "Feathering" used as public shaming within the community.

Cultural and Legal Violations

• Hereditary chiefs accused of disregarding Wet'suwet'en traditions and Canadian law:
  • Holding rallies during funerals.
  • Wearing regalia for non-ceremonial purposes.
  • Criminal actions by some chiefs.

Community Efforts and Outlook

• Initiatives to heal and unify the Wet'suwet'en, e.g., community potluck.
• Call for internal resolution without external interference.
• Emphasis on unified governance for a stronger community.

Conclusion

• Dispute not solely about a pipeline but involves power, control, and governance.
• Encourages Wet'suwet'en to resolve internal conflicts and unify.
• Highlights the need for Wet'suwet'en-led solutions.