Peace and Unity: Grounding our Work In Relationships
Last week, our team travelled to Ts’ysem territory in so-called Prince Rupert, BC for the Peace and Unity Summit. We were honoured to join this gathering of Indigenous land defenders and allies to connect, build relationships and learn alongside each other as we continue to dedicate ourselves to protecting land, air and water from resource extraction. The gathering, hosted by the Office of the Wet’suwet’en, was a powerful testament to Indigenous wisdom in the face of climate crisis. We are deeply grateful to have been welcomed into this space.
During our time at the summit we learned about the many proposed projects on the territories of Indigenous communities present at the summit. We were inspired to connect with land and water defense, and hear how they are fighting these projects. To see first-handed the real impacts of industry on the territory, to meet and speak with Indigenous folks on the frontlines was a reality check. As a staff of settlers who work remotely in urban settings, it was grounding to be in-person and connect with the land and waters we are standing in solidarity to protect.
This years summit was held at the mouth of the Skeena Watershed, where salmon from all the rivers in the Skeena gather together to feast before making their way to the ocean. Throughout the summit we learned the importance of centering salmon in decision-making, how salmon connects us all, and how we look after ourselves by looking after the salmon.
What we learned: Deep Sea Mining
Through deep sea mining is banned in Canadian waters, Canadian companies are actively pursuing deep sea mining around the world. This means that Canada knows deep sea mining is harmful, but continues to allow corporations to profit off of environmental destruction internationally. These mining operations disproportionately harm folks in the Global South, including many Indigenous Peoples in Oceania and the Pacific Islands. Canadians have a responsibility to push for a ban on deep sea mining internationally.
What we learned: Skeena Watershed and Salmon
Food sovereignty has kept Indigenous peoples alive for thousands of years. It is crucial that Indigenous people are able to go to the river and drink from it, and harvest food without being afraid its poisoned. The Skeena watershed must be protected to protect food sovereignty for future generations.
The salmon is a crucial part of this sovereignty. Salmon need to survive many dangers in their life cycle. For every 50 salmon that live to maturity and make it to the ocean, only 4 will return and only 1 will lay eggs. It’s a miracle any make it back, with the dangerous conditions made worse by climate change, such as rising ocean temperatures.
What we learned: TC Energy
TC Energy is hiring highly trained and experienced surveillance and intelligence advisors to counter climate protests and Indigenous resistance to their projects. These include US White House staffers and Donald Trump’s former Homeland Security advisor.
By paying attention to how TC Energy is responding to resistance and opposition, we can see an increased level of militarization and criminalization in how the company sees protestors. TC Energy sees Indigenous resistance to their projects as war, and they are prepared to inflict violence to protect their profits. We need to inoculate ourselves against this by strengthening our security practices and trusting relationships with each other.
The Peace and Unity Summit reminded us that our power is in the relationships we have with each other and with the land. Throughout the summit, we were invited to think deeply about our role in this fight. We are honoured to work alongside and in solidarity with Indigenous land defenders.
