Demonstrators took to city hall on Monday to stand in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en Nation against a pipeline in Northern B.C. About 30 people rallied to show their dissent of the Coastal GasLink Pipeline, which would run through Wet’sewet’en traditional territory. 

“When indigenous rights are violated, it’s all of our issue and what’s going on in Wet’suwet’en violates indigenous rights and human rights – and indigenous laws as well. Canada needs to start to take into account that indigenous people have their own laws – we have our own hereditary chiefs,” said Maya Many Grey Horses, a university student among the demonstrators.

Coastal GasLink has signed agreements with all 20 First Nation Band Council along the pipeline’s route, but Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs argue the band’s only have power over their specific reserves. 

Wet’suwet’en protesters have set up roadblocks, preventing the company from carrying on with construction.

More than 20 protesters have been arrested in the area after RCMP began enforcing an injunction, from the B.C. Supreme Court, against the Wet’suwet’en protesters.

The hereditary chiefs say traditional Indigenous laws give them power to veto the pipeline. They say they had authority over the land before the Indian Act gave power to reserves. They have gained support across the country.

“We are here today to raise awareness for Wet’suwet’en, show our support as indigenous students, and just as indigenous people as a whole from the Blood Tribe,” said Kalli Eagle Speaker, a University of Lethbridge student at the demonstration.

Eagle Speaker and Many Grey Horses said people who want to support the Wet’suwet’en cause can provide financial support for legal fees to help arrested protesters. They said it is important to raise awareness and talk about the issue.

Protesters blocked ports in Vancouver and Delta on Monday – in Ontario demonstrators blocked Canada’s busiest rail line, forcing VIA Rail to cancel 157 trains between Toronto and Montreal, and Toronto and Ottawa.

“I think it’s very important to stand in solidarity with fellow indigenous people because you want that reciprocated support, had something like this been happening to our people as well. Collectively, we are indigenous people, we are one and we all stand together,” said Eagle Speaker.