URFA Solidarity with Wet’suwet’en Nation
The University of Regina Faculty Association, representing members on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territory, supports the Wet’suwet’en Nation in British Columbia, and urges government leaders to take action to ensure a peaceful resolution that ensures the inherent rights of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs over their traditional territories are honoured and respected.
In a recent statement, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron said the following: “Our ancestral lands belong to our First Nations people. The lands are ours to protect and preserve for future generations. We must stand up for the protection of our lands and waters so that our children and grandchildren will know who they are and where they came from. First Nations pride and identity are also intertwined with our love and proptection of Mother Earth. The Wet’suwet’en people are fighting for what is right and we fully support them. Our First Nations Inherent and Treaty lands are ours to protect. We condemn any acts of violence and urge peace in the Wet’suwet’en territory.”
URFA echoes this statement. This is a critical moment for Canada to prove its commitment to reconciliation, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This requires conversation and meaningful actions to ensure a peaceful resolution to this dispute, and we urge government leaders to do so.
The University of Regina Faculty Association Represents 1,500 members at the University of Regina, Campion and Luther Colleges, and the First Nations University of Canada.