Protesters gather at Aamjiwnaang First Nation in support of Wet'suwet'en hereditary cihiefs Feb. 21, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Josh Boyce)Protesters gather at Aamjiwnaang First Nation in support of Wet'suwet'en hereditary cihiefs Feb. 21, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Josh Boyce)
Sarnia

Protest march held in Sarnia in solidarity with Wet'suwet'en

There was a protest march in Sarnia late Friday afternoon in support of hereditary chiefs from British Columbia's Wet'suwet'en First Nation.

The chiefs are opposed to the Coast GasLink L-N-G project crossing their traditional lands.

The event began at 3 p.m. at the Aamjiwnaang First Nation band office with protesters marching down Tashmoo Avenue to Churchill Road and then Vidal Street South.

Kari Faubert said it's important to explain to her daughter and other young people why they're protesting.

"We've been telling her about it, she understands and grasps the concept of it, don't put the oil in our water and keep clean drinking water," said Faubert.

Protesters gather at Aamjiwnaang First Nation in support of Wet'suwet'en hereditary cihiefs Feb. 21, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Josh Boyce) Protesters gather at Aamjiwnaang First Nation in support of Wet'suwet'en hereditary cihiefs Feb. 21, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Josh Boyce)

Aamjiwnaang's Vanessa Gray said it's important to stand with Wet'suwet'en's hereditary chiefs.

"We want to stop this pipeline from going through the territory where it is untouched, where they have clear water, where they still can sustain themselves on their own land," she said. "We want to have a better future than the past and what we see here in Chemical Valley."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in Ottawa Friday afternoon that after two weeks, barricades on rail lines and other major transportation routes put up in support of the hereditary chiefs, have to come down.

He called the situation unacceptable and untenable and that injunctions to clear tracks must be obeyed and the law upheld.

-With files from Josh Boyce

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