Protesters opposing the GasLink pipeline gather on train tracks

Photo: CTV News Vancouver

Protesters have gathered on train tracks in East Vancouver near Clark Drive and Venables Street to show solidarity with the Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs who oppose the GasLink pipeline in northern B.C on their traditional lands. 

The protesters are describing themselves as urban Indigenous sovereigntists, according to CTV News Vancouver.

Demonstrators believe "civil disobedience is necessary to push back against the enforcement of unjust laws." They are demanding "an end to the use of injunctions to repress Indigenous peoples."

According to a CN Rail spokesperson, the company is "aware of the protest and monitoring it closely."

"The protesters are trespassing on active railway tracks," said the spokesperson. "Trespassing on railway property and/or tampering with railway equipment is not only illegal, but also exceedingly dangerous. A serious and even fatal incident could be the outcome.

"Safety is a core value at CN and every time a breach like this occurs, railway experts inspect the track and equipment for the safety of our employees and the public, which further slows the movement of goods"

Protesters continue to gather across the country expressing solidarity with Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs who have opposed the planned pipeline on the traditional territory near Houston, B.C. 

RCMP have arrested several people throughout the protests as they continue to enforce the injunction which has agreements from all 20 Indigenous band councils along the project's route. 

The Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs assert the responsibility to protect the traditional land over the elected leaders who have the authority from the Indian Act. 

-With files from CTV News Vancouver