Photo: Contributed

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip

The Syilx Okanagan Nation is the latest to voice its support for the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs in their fight against the Coastal GasLink natural gas pipeline.

In a press release, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Okanagan Nation Alliance chairperson, said Friday afternoon the Syilx Nation stands in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en.

Earlier in the day, the Okanagan Indian Band announced its support for the hereditary chiefs.

The crisis shines a national light on the ongoing issue of title and rights recognition in British Columbia.

The long-standing issue has remained largely unresolved despite the 1997 Delgamuukw decision in which the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed that Wet’suwet’en title and rights have never been extinguished.

The Syilx Okanagan Nation is calling on the provincial and federal governments to work in good faith with the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs, charting a pathway forward that both respects Wet’suwet’en title and rights and meaningful implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“Aspirational words about reconciliation are not enough. What is required is full respect and recognition of Indigenous laws, governance, and title and rights, not only for the Wet’suwet’en, but for all Indigenous Nations,” the release stated.

“Canada and B.C. must move beyond political mumbling and empty rhetoric and immediately take action to honour the invitation of the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs to meet face to face,” said Stewart.

“Furthermore, the RCMP occupation force must immediately leave Wet'suwet'en territory and Coastal GasLink must agree to reroute the pipeline. It is time for Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier John Horgan to 'walk the walk.'"