The Spencer-Rankins are heading on an important roadtrip. Can you help?

Hi everyone,

The four of us are honoured to have the opportunity to travel to Wet’suwet’en territory at the end of July, to work in solidarity with the Unist’ot’en land defenders. As we’ve been unlearning and finding out more about Landback and Truth and Reconciliation, this is one way we can all work together. Whether it’s financial contribution, learning more about this important work, or sharing with others, we appreciate your support.

Who are the Unist’ot’en and the Wet’suwet’en peoples?

The Wet’suwet’en are a First Nation near Burns Lake in the northwestern Central Interior of British Columbia. The word Wetʼsuwetʼen means “People of the Wa Dzun Kwuh River”. The Unist’ot’en are one of several Wet’suwet’en peoples. 

Why are we travelling to Wet’suwet’en territory?

Tar sands and fracking gas pipelines have been proposed through Wet’suwet’en territory with unanimous opposition from all five of the Wet’suwet’en Nation clans. One particular company, TransCanada Energy, is building the Coastal GasLink (CGL) pipeline without consent from the Wet’suwet’en people. The pipeline would run approximately 670 kilometres across Northern B.C, from Dawson Creek to Kitimat.

The construction is a threat to the enormous watershed, as well as the plants, animals and communities that depend on them. The Unist’ot’en land defenders are fighting for the future health of the land and waterways by protecting their traditional hunting, trapping, and fishing territories.

Settler colonization has not only caused harm for Indigenous peoples, it is also harming all of us. We see the consequences now more than ever as we experience ongoing, worldwide climate catastrophes. Indigenous communities, who have lived in balance with nature for thousands of years have always resisted colonial and environmental violence. We need to work together. 

We are travelling to Unist’ot’en camp to work with the land defenders who are peacefully occupying and using their territory in opposition to the construction of the Coastal GasLink pipelines. We are also raising funds to contribute to their legal and operational expenses. During our stay, we will support construction projects, cooking, and childcare. 

We are grateful that $5,000 was raised with the GoFundMe to support the Unist’ot’en land defender efforts. Thank you so much to those of you who donated or spread the word to allow others to donate and learn. Future donations can be made on the Unist’ot’en webpage directly.

Thank you for your support! 

James, Nicole, Ray & Maëlle

More info about the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs 

Macleans article from 2020 explaining the Wet’suwet’en protests