Canada’s new pipeline project and Indigenous conflict

The Coastal GasLink Pipeline is a significant project that is currently taking place in Canada. It is basically a TC Energy natural gas pipeline, which is now under construction in British Columbia. The project’s pipeline is 670km – 416 miles, and its meant to ship natural gas from north-eastern parts of British Colombia up to the coast.

Moreover, the conflict is not only against the pipeline project; it is also about broader complex issues like indigenous governance, indigenous rights, and reconciliation. Thus, Rail lines across Canada have been paralyzed and misfunctioning for almost two weeks. The economic impact of rail blockades is beginning to stop all the industries, all over the country.

It’s been quite some time, days, months, and even years of determined protesters who have erected camps along the proposed pipeline route to prevent access to construction sites. Coastal GasLink has reached deals with 20 elected indigenous councils along the road, including some Wet’suwet’en councils. Meanwhile, some other blockades and protests took over the whole country in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs.

Who is protecting indigenous rights and working on reconciliation?

Both sides, as the official representatives say, that there is no other way but to go through the issue most civilly and diplomatically possible.

The relationship between Canada and the indigenous people is significant for the peaceful future for both sides. Indigenous leaders and the prime minister think that respectful dialogue is the best path forward.

However, another complexity in the conflict is the fact that the sides cannot decide on whose land it is. Also, the indigenous people and government officials are doubtful about who has the right to authorize an vital decision. Also, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states that Indigenous peoples should have “free, prior and informed consent” on a project that may affect them or their territories. The essential request made by Wet’suwet’en hereditary leadership is for the RCMP to leave their traditional lands.