For immediate release
February 10, 2020
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is issuing this statement to express solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en people who have been working to protect their unceded lands in Northern British Columbia.
Thousands of Indigenous people and their allies across the country have been taking part in peaceful protests to express their solidary with Wet’suwet’en people.
“It is inspiring to see such a strong expression of solidarity right across the country in support of the Wet’suwet’en people who are trying to protect their ancestral, unceded lands,” stated Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “While we are aware that some First Nations support the development of pipelines to transport natural gas, we also recognize that First Nations are autonomous. It’s clear that the people taking part in protests are deeply concerned that the development taking place across Canada does not respect the rights of First Nations people and simply ends up destroying our lands and exploiting resources.”
“In Northern Manitoba, many citizens and generations of their children have been and will continue to be impacted by the negative impacts of hydro development. This has ongoing, damaging impacts on our health and our lives,” said Grand Chief Settee. “In many cases, our livelihoods have been destroyed by development and we have been displaced from our traditional lands. I lift up the hereditary Chiefs in their quest to follow their Indigenous laws and in their desire to protect the lands and waters for the generations to come.”
