Media Statement
February 21, 2020
UBCIC Supports Indigenous Land Defense and Acknowledges CPR Joining Call for Trudeau to meet Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Leadership
((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – February 21, 2020) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) recognizes the Canadian Pacific Railway’s (CPR) honourable conduct in relation to Secwepemcul’ecw Land Defenders who occupied part of the railway yesterday. Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated “CPR chose direct and respectful engagement with Secwepemcul’ecw Land Defenders instead of calling for an injunction that would have resulted in arrests. In a letter released today, CPR supported the Wet’suwet’en in their request for dialogue with Prime Minister Trudeau and called upon Trudeau to immediately fulfill this request. We hope Trudeau listens to this call and responds accordingly instead of repeatedly calling for ‘the barricades to come down’ when he knows full well that this could incite violence.”
For further comment:
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of UBCIC: (250-490-5314)
UBCIC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
For more information please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca