Statement on the Unist’ot’en Camp in Wet’suwet’en Territory

Jan 8, 2019

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Reconciliation Canada is deeply concerned over what took place yesterday in the Unist’ot’en Camp on Wet’suwet’en Territory: heavily armed RCMP tactical squads overrunning peaceful and unarmed land defenders.

This event propagates the long-standing practice of using force, based upon a legal system that once enabled the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families.

There must be better ways and different approaches to resolving conflict.

Throughout the history of this country, we have applied the same old approaches that result in the same old outcomes.

In this time of reconciliation, we must all do better as this may very well be our last chance – our final opportunity – to become the country that we so deeply desire to be: a country that is truly equal, just and compassionate.

Without change, there can be no reconciliation.

Our country – the RCMP, the federal government, the provincial government, and the courts included – must get serious about reconciliation and live up to our common values and ideals.

If we cannot change now, then this country may never change.

We must – especially in times of conflict and disagreement – recognize our common humanity and common desire for a better country.