CEIU Ontario stand in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs and with all Indigenous peoples in Canada fighting for their rightful sovereignty.

On the evening of November 18, 2021, the RCMP invaded Wet’suwet’en territory for the third time in the last year. During the raid, land defenders and members from the press were arrested for exercising their right to protest. 

This included Skyler Williams, spokesperson for 1492 Land Back Lane, a focal point for state violence here in Ontario.

The militarized police force burned down temporary campsites keeping the people safe from the weather. The fact that these actions have taken place during a declared state of emergency in British Columbia is cowardly. This has occurred with the consent of Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NDP BC Premier John Horgan. These acts of hostility fly in the face of two governments, two political parties, who seek to convince voters of their positive intentions to climate action and to truth and reconciliation.

Given these recent events, delegates who attended the annual Presidents Conference sent a resounding message of solidarity by passing ER-1, which states:

BE IT RESOLVED the Ontario Regional Council craft, distribute and publish a statement in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs and Land Defenders of 1492 Land Back Lane; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Ontario Regional Council encourage all delegates to engage in the continuous struggle of Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the delegation to the 2021 CEIU Ontario Presidents Conference approve a $10,000.00 donation to the 1492 Land Back Lane legal fund.

As a union and as activists, we understand that truth and reconciliation will come only through the power of solidarity and collective action. Whether it’s standing shoulder to shoulder with land defenders, talking with members of our family or finding opportunities to engage in our own communities, our actions must be overtly tied to reconciliation. We also recognize the importance of the settler colonial institutions, including our own governmental union, to take a clear position on this important matter.

Ontario Regional Council calls on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier John Horgan to end their illegal occupation of Wet’suwet’en territory and to sit with the hereditary chiefs. We also call on all political parties, unions (including our own) and labour activists to condemn land and resource theft in British Columbia and across Turtle Island.