A Wet’suwet’en leader and two other individuals who opposed the Coastal GasLink pipeline have received suspended jail sentences and community service for violating an injunction against obstructing pipeline construction. B.C. Supreme Court Justice Michael Tammen described the suspended sentences as a form of judicial clemency, emphasizing the importance of fostering reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
The three individuals, including Sleydo’ (Molly Wickham), Shaylynn Sampson, and Corey Jocko, were found guilty of criminal contempt for their involvement in a blockade on Wet’suwet’en traditional territory that defied a 2019 injunction against obstructing the pipeline project. Justice Tammen issued net sentences of 17 days for Sleydo’, 12 days for Jocko, and 9 days for Sampson, with the condition that the jail time will only be served if there are further violations within the next year. Additionally, each individual is required to complete 150 hours of community service.
The Crown had pushed for jail time, arguing that it was necessary to uphold the rule of law and discourage similar actions in the future. The defense, on the other hand, advocated for time served, citing concerns about the integrity of the court system. The court found that the defendants’ Charter rights were violated during their arrest, noting instances of offensive and dehumanizing remarks made by police officers.
Despite the Crown’s recommendation for specific jail terms, Justice Tammen opted to suspend the remaining jail sentences in the hopes of promoting respect for the Canadian legal system and advancing the goal of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. The blockade caused delays but did not halt the completion of the Coastal GasLink pipeline, which spans 670 kilometers across northern British Columbia.
In a statement, Sleydo’ emphasized the significance of Wet’suwet’en land, asserting that it has never been relinquished. She underscored the deep connection between the Wet’suwet’en people and their land, highlighting the cultural and legal importance of their ancestral territory.