We're sitting in on a VDLC meeting where delegates are debating passing a motion declaring support for Wet'suwet'en. Two guests have voiced support, arguing that VDLC should also direct its members to treat Wet'suwet'en solidarity blockades as picket lines. #WetsuwetenStrong
An executive member - one of only two POC on the executive - suggests amendments strengthening the anticolonial politics of the statement. They're going through the amendments one by one.
Russ St. Eloi of UA170 tried to refer the statement back to the executive, saying he "can't digest this shit" now. The motion failed. He falsely states that the majority of Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs approved the pipeline, & argues for respecting Canada's "rule of law."
St. Eloi also arguescthat non-elected delegates shouldn't be able to speak to important motions at VDLC meetings. Letting guests speak is a VDLC tradition. When we got here someone said, nobody has ever been turned away from speaking.
Current amendment is to spell out Article 10 of UNDRIP in the statement, which states that Indigenous ppl must not be forcibly removed from their territories. Another guest speaker points out that "rule of law" discourse masks the violence of colonial invasions & occupation.
Check out the proposed statement at the bottom of this page - its under Executive Motions. vdlc.ca/vdlc_regular_m…
Delegate Lisa Kreut points out that public's complaints of "inconvenience" are a boss's tactic. If we can stand in solidarity w/ rail workers striking, we can stand in solidarity w/ young Indigenous ppl declaring reconciliation is dead. [The meeting members cheer]
Bob Aegis: I've been on lots of picket lines & seen police violence on them, but nothing compares to the violence police direct at Indigenous people.
Jason Sullivan (HEU): The RCMP has never been a friend to labour. If we let them attack our friends in Wet'suwet'en, how long before they come for us?
Ppl are debating an amendment urging other labour councils to make similar declarations of support for Wet'suwet'en. The implication of the "against" side is that its undemocratic to urge affiliates to do what the @vancouverdlc is doing.
St. Eloi: I'm from the pipeliners union. We're building the pipeline because the courts decided & the majority of Indigenous ppl, incl. myself, approved the pipeline. UA170 will reject VDLC's call if you pass this amendment.
Ivan from Red Braid: Its an important responsibility of the VDLC to help direct members on how to orient toward the Wet'suwet'en struggle. Leadership should help its members understand, esp. w/ state propaganda demonizing & criminalizing Indigenous land defenders.
CUPE delegate at @vancouverdlc meeting, debating a motion to support the Wet'suwet'en struggle for sovereignty: this feels like revolution. I've never felt anything like this since I've been in Canada. #WetsuwetenStrong
Indigenous guest: Part of reconciliation is decolonized thinking. Right to land trumps a commitment to parliamentary procedures. Indigenous law existed for 14,000 years. We need to respect that & decolonize our practices for Indigenous ppl to take their rightful place on our land
@vancouverdlc VP is against urging other CLC affiliates from adopting similar supportive stances of Wet'suwet'en; says it would be an ambush to do that w/o allowing affiliates to have their own discussions.
The amendment to urge affiliates of the CLC to join the @vancouverdlc in its support of Wet'suwet'en passes!
The motion for @vancouverdlc to adopt a statement supporting Wet'suwet'en, which names Article 10 of UNDRIP & urges other affiliates to follow the VDLC's lead, just passed! #WetsuwetenStrong
