RCMP Raid on the Unist'ot'en Clan of Dark House

Since 2009, the Unist’ot’en clan of the Wet’suwet’en people and its supporters have occupied a camp that blocks proposed oil and gas pipelines in northern British Columbia, Canada.

According to their website, ‘the Unis’tot’en are known as the toughest of the Wet’suwet’en as their territories were not only abundant, but the terrain was known to be very treacherous.’ In January, 2019, an armed Royal Canadian Mounted Police force entered Wet’suwet’en territory without their consent and arrested 14 people. The RCMP were enforcing an interim injunction obtained by Coastal GasLink Pipeline Ltd. (a subsidiary of TransCanada Pipelines) to prevent interference with work regarding its planned natural gas pipeline crossing Wet’suwet’en territory.

Supporters traveled to the camp. I was assigned by the Globe and Mail to document the story.

Tange Joseph, Fort Babine, British Columbia

‘I’m here to support the Unist’ot’en camp and protect the waters. Our waters were contaminated with mercury. When I grew up we used to drink that contaminated water. Our fish were contaminated.’

Sabina Dennis from the Dakelh Cariboo Clan

‘I’m here in support of the Wet’suwet’en people in protecting the sovereignty and sacred inherent right to protect their land.’

The entry to the Unist'ot'en Healing Lodge and Camp.

Art Wilson, Wolf Chief Of Kispiox.

I’m here because I want to be supportive of people here. And I want to support my youngest son Denzel who is inside the Unist'ot'en blockade.

Adam Gagnon, hereditary Wing Chief of the Firewheat Clan

‘I’m here to support the Unist’ot’en in defending the land against the big greedy corporations.’