While I am pleased to see a limited form of nation-to-nation diplomacy taking place, instead of more force, I think the way this story is being reported leaves out a lot of important details. History shows that "agreements" are often used as a strategy to continue colonization.
I heard chief Woos on the radio this morning call the proposed agreement a "milestone" - that is quoted in the story above - and I was optimistic, though I'm always leery of media reporting. Then I saw @AylanX and others urge folks to watch the presser: facebook.com/wetsuwetenstro…
After listening to the press conference, a different narrative emerges: cheif Woos' comments about this being a "milestone" agreement are in regards to big issues of rights + title; he calls it an "arrangement" + notes that "we'll see if it works." It will need nation approval.
But on the issue of CGL - which started all this - there does not appear to be movement. Woos says "It's not over yet" and "we're looking at more work." Then, the rep for BC, Fraser, made it sound like CGL and RCMP work on Wet'suwet'en territory could resume as early as Monday.
That is not good. At the very least, a longer cool off period is needed. How are the Wet'suwet'en supposed to discuss the possibly agreement when CGL and RCMP are back on their territory. Have we learned nothing from the past three weeks. That is unacceptable.
Moreover, Fraser talked about the progress being made with UNDRIP in BC to clear the way for creative strategies for "shared decision-making." That is good, BUT he made clear that this was "not retroactive" but rather "forward looking" i.e. it will not apply to CGL work.
To translate: Canada and BC are promising to work nation-to-nation moving forward, but insisting that CGL work continue immediately. There is no acknowledgement of failure or need of course correction, just promises to do better. That is a tried and true colonial strategy.
In short, I am glad to see diplomacy, instead of force, being using here, but in terms of resolving #ShutDownCanada and ensuring there will not be more force to continue capitalist accumulation by colonial dispossession, I am not so sure this is the victory it is being reported.
Trying to read between the lines, I think there is movement on recognizing Delgamuukw decision, and that is big.
We'll have to wait and see what the Wet'suwet'en have to say after having time to discuss the proposed agreement.
