# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
VANCOUVER-Members of the Wet'suwet'en Nation continued to limit access to their traditional territories this week as the RCMP moved to enforce a B.C. Supreme Court injunction to allow pipeline workers entrance through two Wet'suwet'en checkpoints.

The permanent Unist'ot'en camp and the more recently established Gidimt'en checkpoint are part of an ongoing effort by Wet'suwet'en hereditary leaders and members to protect unceded lands from pipeline construction.

"The proposed pipelines are a threat to the watershed, as well as the plants, animals and communities that depend on them," the Unist'ot'en Camp says on its website.

While more than one proposed pipeline would cross through Wet'suwet'en traditional territory, TransCanada's Coastal GasLink project is at the centre of the current injunction dispute.
What is the Coastal GasLink pipeline project?
The proposed Coastal GasLink pipeline would span 670 kilometres across northern British Columbia. It would supply natural gas from near Dawson Creek, B.C. to the planned LNG Canada export facility near Kitimat, B.C., where it would be converted to liquefied natural gas for export. Construction is estimated to cost about $4.8 billion.

According to LNG Canada Coastal GasLink would be the only pipeline to supply its facility, a company spokesperson call it an "essential component of the LNG Canada project."
How much gas would it carry?
Initially, the pipeline would carry 2.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day to the LNG Canada export facility. That's roughly the same amount of natural gas needed to heat 22,000 average-sized detached homes for one year.

According to the BC Oil and Gas Commission there would be potential to expand pipeline capacity to carry 5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day - that would be enough gas transported in one day to heat about 53,000 average sized detached homes for a year.
Read More: RCMP arrive at Wet'suwet'en nation checkpoint RCMP gathers in nearby towns as First Nation braces for conflict Unist'ot'en Camp faces temporary injunction over pipeline protest Has it been approved?
B.C.'s Environmental Assessment Office issued an Environmental Assessment Certificate for the project in October 2014. Then, between May 2015 and April 2016, the BC Oil and Gas Commission issued the key permits the project needed to proceed.

The project was also initially required to undergo a federal environmental assessment. However, that process was cancelled in 2013 when new regulations were brought in that changed the types of projects that were required to be assessed by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.

Now, the National Energy Board, which is also in the midst of reconsidering the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, has undertaken a process to determine whether the project may fall under its jurisdiction. If the board determines that the project does fall under federal jurisdiction, Coastal GasLink would have to submit a separate application to the National Energy Board for project approval.
What are the Wet'suwet'en concerns?
While the Wet'suwet'en First Nation has supported the pipeline, hereditary leaders and some members remain opposed and deeply concerned about the threat they say the pipeline poses to their traditional territory.

The hereditary Wet'suwet'en chiefs say the elected First Nations band council does not have jurisdiction over the entire traditional territories and unanimously supported a decision to block Coastal GasLink from entering their territory.

The chiefs pointed to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which says Indigenous people will not be "forcibly removed" from their territories.

At present, the Unist'ot'en camp says its "traditional territory remains relatively intact."

"The proposed pipelines are a threat to the watershed, as well as the plants, animals and communities that depend on them," the camp says on its website.

"The Unist'ot'en are fighting for the future health of the land. They are protecting the traditional hunting, trapping, and fishing territories to ensure that the natural beauty and bounty of the earth will be enjoyed for generations to come."
What are the environmental concerns?
The proposed pipeline would cross more than 1,000 waterways in the Peace, Fraser, Skeena, and Kitimat river watersheds, including waterways home to at-risk fish species, according to the assessment report prepared by B.C.'s Environmental Assessment Office.

While Coastal GasLink determined that the majority of the water crossings were at low to medium risk for negative impacts, 51 water crossings were identified as high risk for negative impacts to fish and fish habitat.

The assessment notes the pipeline construction would also pose a risk to wetlands and other wildlife habitat, including caribou and grizzly bear habitat.

In addition, operation of the pipeline will result in between 0.3 million tonnes and 3.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions measured in carbon dioxide equivalents. That's roughly the same as emissions from between 71,700 and 760,900 cars over the course of year.

Ultimately, the Environmental Assessment Office concluded that the various measures included in the environmental approval mean the project would not pose "significant" risk to the environment.
Will the pipeline create jobs?
Construction of the pipeline is expected to create between 2,000 and 2,500 jobs. There are expected to be 16 to 35 permanent jobs during operation.
What happened when police approached the checkpoint camp?
On Monday, uniformed RCMP and Emergency Response Team tactical unit officers breached the blockade at the Gidimt'en checkpoint after a lengthy interaction between demonstrators and police. Fourteen people were arrested.

Many members of the public and media were barred the camp site area through an RCMP exclusion zone.
What is an exclusion zone and are they legal?
Temporary exclusion zones are areas that people are not allowed to enter, though according to an RCMP release, "media/public are welcome to stand at the perimeter." Exclusion zones are legal if there is a justifiable reason for police to establish them, such as public safety.

"Exclusion zones are set up for the safety of everybody," Cpl. Madonna Saunderson, spokesperson for the RCMP's North region, told StarMetro. She confirmed the zone at Gidimt'en checkpoint was still in place as of Tuesday evening.

Saunderson added that it would be up to the site commander on the ground to decide when the zone will be eliminated, expanded, moved or changed in any way.

However, press freedom advocates and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) have countered that there is no possible justification for preventing media from reporting on the incident.

"We are deeply concerned about reports of the media exclusion zone ... Freedom of press is constitutionally protected, and it's very difficult to justify (the exclusion)," said Josh Paterson, executive director of the BCCLA.

"It's critically important that the public is able to see what is going on and have it reported."
Were communications cut at the camp on the day of the arrests?
As RCMP approached the checkpoint on Jan. 8, multiple reporters and protesters at the camp reported that communications signals had been disrupted. As data service is low in that area, the only communication for most people came through a Wi-Fi signal set up via satellite by organizers at the Wet'suwet'en camp.

RCMP in Houston have blamed a problem with "one of the satellites" and have denied deliberately cutting communications, as they could only reach their own officers via radio.

While not associated with the Wet'suwet'en camp's Wi-Fi signal, Rogers, Bell and the CRTC have all denied knowledge of any disruptions to networks in the area.

StarMetro has not yet been able to independently confirm whether there was a disruption to the satellite signal.
Correction - January 8, 2019: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly said some hereditary leaders remain opposed and deeply concerned about the threat they say the pipeline poses to their traditional territory. In fact, all hereditary leaders are unanimous in opposition. Correction - Jan. 8, 2019: A map included with this story has been altered from a previous version that reversed the positions of the Unist'ot'en and Gidimt'en camps.
Ainslie Cruickshank is a Vancouver-based reporter covering the environment. Follow her on Twitter: @ainscruickshank

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Here's what you need to know about the Wet'suwet'en protests

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
VANCOUVER-Members of the Wet'suwet'en Nation continued to limit access to their traditional territories this week as the RCMP moved to enforce a B.C. Supreme Court injunction to allow pipeline workers entrance through two Wet'suwet'en checkpoints. The permanent Unist'ot'en camp and the more recently established Gidimt'en checkpoint are part of an ongoing effort by Wet'suwet'en hereditary leaders and members to protect unceded lands from pipeline construction.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Another day of blockades across the country means more protesters with signs bearing slogans such as "Wet'suwet'en Strong" and "Stand with Wet'suwet'en."

They're showing support for the hereditary chiefs who oppose construction of a new pipeline through their territory in northern B.C.

The protesters though are drawing the ire of many in the Wet'suwet'en Nation who not only support the project, but see it as a way for the community to flourish.

The Coastal GasLink pipeline would move natural gas from northeastern B.C. to the West Coast for export, while creating jobs and other financial benefits.

It's why 20 elected First Nations signed their support of the project. Calgary-based TC Energy is developing the $6-billion pipeline.

Overall, the Wet'suwet'en Nation is divided over whether to support a new natural gas pipeline through its territory.

A group of hereditary chiefs touched off the national protest by opposing the project, saying it violated their recognized rights over the territory.

But on Wednesday, about 200 people gave up three hours of their afternoon to pack a movie theatre in the community of Houston, a town of about 3,000 people in northwestern B.C., in the heart of the Wet'suwet'en Nation.
WATCH | Members of the Wet'suwet'en Nation speak at a pro-pipeline event:

This was a pro-pipeline event as members of the Wet'suwet'en Nation explained why they support construction of the Coastal GasLink pipeline.

The people who came out to the meeting say they want to see the natural gas pipeline built. They say the project will create well-paid jobs that will bring economic opportunities to their communities.

Among the supporters was Robert Skin, who said he was elected to the council of the Skin Tyee First Nation, which is part of the Wet'suwet'en Nation, to move the community forward.

He said the pipeline will mean a better life for the next generation.

"With the benefit agreement that [the Skin Tyee] did sign, I see us being in a better place even within the next five years," Skin said.

Speaking to the crowd at the theatre, he said protesters "only get one side of the story" and don't understand the advantages this type of infrastructure project can provide.

Similar sentiments were shared by others who want to see more people working and providing for their families, especially as the lumber industry struggles in the region.

The Wet'suwet'en people at the event said they resent the protests because they aren't helping their community, which they say already has fractured governance. They say the protests have amplified the conflict in the community and distracted Wet'suwet'en people from resolving their differences.

Others said they want the First Nation to be part of Canada, not separated from it.

The nearby Witset First Nation, which is also part of the Wet'suwet'en Nation, is split almost evenly between those who want the pipeline to be built and those who resist it, according to Edward Tom, a community liaison and monitor of construction projects.

Financial boost

Tom sees the project as improving the community's quality of life. When discussing the protesters, he grew agitated, describing them as liars who are causing more harm than good.

"They're very pugnacious and overbearing. They're professional protesters," Tom said.

Many who attended the meeting said the protesters across the country don't understand the issue, and don't realize many of the Wet'sewet'en want the project to be built.

Those who have spoken up about their reasons for backing the pipeline say they have faced intimidation and threats by other community members.

That's why the event was the first time Marion Tiljoe Shepherd has shared her feelings. She owns her own trucking company in Houston. She's optimistic the project will be built and the economic benefits will provide a financial boost to her business and many others in the area.

Shepherd said she's increasingly angered by the protesters across the country. She said they don't speak for, nor represent her community.

"It's none of their business," she said in an interview following the event. "All of these protesters don't have the right to close down railways and ships. It's not right. Go away. I want them to leave."

The pipeline dispute is also splitting families, with some supporting the project and others opposing it.

Here's Marion Tiljoe Shepherd and her frustration with the protesters across the country: <a href="https://t.co/kayrUKFq9E">pic.twitter.com/kayrUKFq9E</a>
&mdash; @KyleBakx

Chiefs to thank Mohawks

"It's divided my family. It's just so sad," Shepherd said. Her father's cousin is a hereditary chief. At the Houston meeting Wednesday, he spoke in favour of the pipeline.

On Thursday, four Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs are scheduled to travel east to meet and thank the Mohawks of Tyendinaga behind a rail blockade in Ontario. The trip has raised doubts about when proposed talks with federal and provincial leaders could occur to settle the rail crisis.

Currently, those chiefs are refusing to negotiate until RCMP leave the area.

"The chiefs don't feel that we can possibly have any meaningful dialogue with any levels of government while there is still a huge RCMP force on our territories," said Molly Wickham, a spokesperson for one of the Wet'suwet'en Nation clans.

On Wednesday, Carolyn Bennett said in an open letter that she and her B.C. counterpart, Scott Fraser, will be available in northern B.C. as early as Thursday to meet with any of the hereditary chiefs who might be willing to talk.

Some provincial premiers are demanding the blockades come to an end either by peaceful resolution or police action.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
'It's none of their business': The Wet'suwet'en people who want the protesters to stop | CBC News

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Another day of blockades across the country means more protesters with signs bearing slogans such as "Wet'suwet'en Strong" and "Stand with Wet'suwet'en." They're showing support for the hereditary chiefs who oppose construction of a new pipeline through their territory in northern B.C.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Tensions over the Coastal GasLink rose once again this week, as the RCMP enforced a court injunction near the construction site of the natural gas pipeline in northwestern British Columbia.

The Wet'suwet'en Nation, unceded territory not covered by treaty, has long opposed the project, saying governments do not have the consent of hereditary chiefs.

The situation has been escalating since Dec. 31, when the B.C. Supreme Court granted Coastal GasLink an expanded injunction.

Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs responded by issuing the company an eviction notice in early January, saying the company was violating traditional Wet'suwet'en laws.

On Thursday, six people were arrested at the pipeline construction site by RCMP who were trying to clear the area. RCMP said they had delayed enforcing the injunction for weeks to seek a peaceful resolution, but without one, they had no choice but to follow the court's orders.

Story continues below advertisement

The issue spilled over into other provinces, leading to protests in Ontario that led to train delays on Friday.

Here's a look at the ongoing dispute.

Protesters prepare for more arrests at Coastal GasLink blockade

What is the pipeline project?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Wet'suwet'en protests and arrests: Here's a look at what's happening now

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Tensions over the Coastal GasLink rose once again this week, as the RCMP enforced a court injunction near the construction site of the natural gas pipeline in northwestern British Columbia. The Wet'suwet'en Nation, unceded territory not covered by treaty, has long opposed the project, saying governments do not have the consent of hereditary chiefs.

# data[].attributes.body
Thea, Kevin, Fahad, Araya

# data[].attributes.body
Jenica, Justin, Sahar

# data[].attributes.body
Faizah, Olu, Matthew, Raeon

# data[].attributes.body
The threat the pipeline poses is stirred towards the people of the community, the animals and plants that reside within the community and imposes on their traditionial way of life.

# data[].attributes.body
The people of the community are focusing on the future of the land and possible danger the pipelines might cause.

# data[].attributes.headline
Tom, one of the chiefs, believes that the protests are just contributing to a damaged governance and greater divide between the people and even in families

# data[].attributes.subject
Tom, one of the chiefs, believes that the protests are just contributing to a damaged governance and greater divide between the people and even in families

# data[].attributes.headline
The supporters believe that the new pipeline will provide many people with job opportunities so they are able to make a living and provide for their families

# data[].attributes.subject
The supporters believe that the new pipeline will provide many people with job opportunities so they are able to make a living and provide for their families

# data[].attributes.headline
Robert Skin, another elected chief believes the existence of the pipeline will create a better future for the upcoming generation

# data[].attributes.subject
Robert Skin, another elected chief believes the existence of the pipeline will create a better future for the upcoming generation

# data[].attributes.headline
The elected chiefs also believe the protestors are misinformed and do not try to understand the benefits that could come from the pipeline.

# data[].attributes.subject
The elected chiefs also believe the protestors are misinformed and do not try to understand the benefits that could come from the pipeline.

# data[].attributes.headline
Marion Shepherd believes protestors across the country have no good reason to engage in blockades etc. as they have no direct connection to her community and what happens in it.

# data[].attributes.subject
Marion Shepherd believes protestors across the country have no good reason to engage in blockades etc. as they have no direct connection to her community and what happens in it.

# data[].attributes.body
The  Wet'suwe'en Nation say that the goverment had not asked for peromission from the hereditary chiefs when making the pipeline in BC

# data[].attributes.body
The cheif claim that they are  violating traditional Wet’suwet’en laws.

# data[].attributes.body
Even though the RCMP were willing to hace a peaceful resolution, when six people had tried to stop the contryction, they had no choice but to follow the order from the court and arrest these six protestors

# data[].attributes.body
The protest escalted and were protest taking place in ontario, where trains were delayed.

# data[].attributes.body
The pipeline project is a $6.6-billion project in which 670-kilometre pipeline is intended to carry gas from northeastern B.C. to a massive LNG plant which is  being built near Kitimat.

# data[].attributes.body
The Canadian government say that they recognized that all land in the Canada is originally owned by Indigenous People and before Canada can take any claim to it they have to have ownership over it

# data[].attributes.body
The Canadian government did not ask for permission from the First Nations before building the pipeline in BC

# data[].attributes.body
Brenda Gunn, who is a professor at a university in Manitoba says “In the Wet’suwet’en case, the Wet’suwet’en have never ceded their right to the Canadian government,”  she  also adds that in the process to take ownership of lands it usually involves treaties, which is why Wet’suwet’en is not covered by a treaty.

# data[].attributes.body
the main point of this story of the fact that government is not listening to first nation requesting for the pipe line to be built for the soul fact that it will be built on there land and no one has even ask or consider what will happen to them if this pipe line is built

# data[].attributes.body
where the hereditary chiefs refuse to work with the Gas line company, the compiony claims that they have the support of almost 20 elected indigenous goverments. The compny claims that they are disappointed that they have not come to an agreement togther.