Syilx Okanagan Nation supports Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs

The Syilx Okanagan Nation has issued a statement supporting the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs.

“The Wet’suwet’en crisis shines a national light on the ongoing issue of Title and Rights recognition in British Columbia. This long-standing issue has remained largely unresolved despite the 1997 Delgamuukw decision where the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed that Wet’suwet’en Title and Rights has never been extinguished,” according to the Syilx Okanagan Nation in a press release.

“Aspirational words about reconciliation are not enough. What is required is full respect and recognition of Indigenous laws, governance, and title and rights, not only for the Wet’suwet’en, but for all Indigenous Nations.”

READ MORE: The latest on protests across Canada in support of Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs

Grand chief Stewart Phillip, chair for the Syilx Okanagan Nation, said B.C. and Canada “must move beyond political mumbling and empty rhetoric and immediately take action to honour the invitation of the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs to meet face-to-face.”

He said in the release that the RCMP should leave Wet'suwet'en territory and the Coastal Gas Link should reroute the pipeline.

“It is time for Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier John Horgan to, 'walk the walk,'” he said in the release.

Earlier today, the OKIB issued a similar statement to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, with chief Byron Louis and councillors offering their support to the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs.

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