1. "A Twitter Play in 9 Acts"
For those who can't figure out this the elected/hereditary #Wetsuweten issue:
Your rich neighbor wants to build a walking trail through your property, but they know you love your yard, so instead of asking you, they approach your basement tenants.
For those who can't figure out this the elected/hereditary #Wetsuweten issue:
Your rich neighbor wants to build a walking trail through your property, but they know you love your yard, so instead of asking you, they approach your basement tenants.
2. The tenants are on a fixed income and could really use a little extra money to feed their family, so for a small fee they consent. And why not? Don't they use the yard too? Besides, the tenancy act guarantees them some rights and protections so they grant their consent.
3. How do you feel about this scenario so far?
*The story continues.*
Your yard is a great shortcut and your neighbor could make lots of money selling passage. Everyone seems pretty enthusiastic about the potential for a few extra jobs to boost the local economy.
*The story continues.*
Your yard is a great shortcut and your neighbor could make lots of money selling passage. Everyone seems pretty enthusiastic about the potential for a few extra jobs to boost the local economy.
4. At first you think it's all a practical joke, but once you realize it isn't you file for a review to put an end to the nonsense, but the city steps in to announce that the trail is "in the public interest" and suddenly the planning department grants a construction permit.
5. You are angry and you block the machines. Next, your neighbor goes to the magistrate and asks for an injunction to remove you from your house, because you are delaying construction and costing them money. You argue that your rights as the title holder are being violated.
6. You testify that building the trail makes it impossible to hold the traditional community barbecue that's been part of your family culture for generations. You explain how your grandmother's heirloom tomatoes only grow where the pathway is planned.
7. You've shown the magistrate how important the back yard is to your way of life, explained that your tenants rights are limited to within their suite, and confident in this and the fact that your deed was issued by a higher authority, you believe that justices will prevail.
8. The magistrate rejects your testimony. For an injunction, they can only consider financial loss, not way of life or justice. Your neighbor has already paid for the machinery, gotten a permit from the city and stands to lose cash money. The magistrate grants the injunction.
9. You refuse to allow this injustice to occur, many of your friends and family agree. Together you set up a peaceful blockade to stop the machines. Eventually the RCMP come and take everyone away at gunpoint. Is this justice? Is it the "rule of law." What would you do?
10. Cast:
Neighbor = CGL
City = BC,
Magistrate = BC Supreme Court.
Basement suite = reserve land
Back yard = traditional territories
Tenants = Elected Chief and Council
You = Hereditary Chief
Deed = Delgamukw decision issued by the Supreme Court of Canada.
Neighbor = CGL
City = BC,
Magistrate = BC Supreme Court.
Basement suite = reserve land
Back yard = traditional territories
Tenants = Elected Chief and Council
You = Hereditary Chief
Deed = Delgamukw decision issued by the Supreme Court of Canada.
11. This scenario is what the Wet'suwet'un situation looks like when applied to your life. There are factors not accounted for, but it covers the basics. Think about this and decide if you would act any differently from the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs. #WetsuwetenStong
