NIPIGON – UPDATED – From 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on January 12, 2019, a group of supporters of the Wet’suwet’en land protectors on the Gidmet’en unceded lands held a peaceful protest on the Nipigon Bridge.
The Ontario Provincial Police reported that “Hwy #11-17 on the Nipigon bridge there is a peaceful protest in support of the BC pipeline controversy. One lane is open and traffic is flowing in both directions. Please be patient and respectful.”
Participants report to NNL that the protocols from the Ministry of Transport and the Ontario Provincial Police were followed. The construction workers and other officials were very respectful to the event.
Only one lane of the Trans-Canada highway was impacted and there were no efforts to block the westbound lane. Emergency vehicles and individual vehicles were allowed to pass. There were safety pylons put out to make the laneways.
Members along with a local chief brought hot coffee and hot chocolate which was appreciated by the land protectors. There were also supporters from Lake Helen First Nation and surrounding areas.
The women hand drummers were joined in songs supporting the ongoing efforts in British Columbia.
The information line ended without incident.
There are other grassroots efforts underway to support the Gidmet’en land protectors.
