Three individuals, including a Wet’suwet’en leader, have received suspended jail sentences and community service for violating an injunction related to the Coastal GasLink pipeline. The decision, made by B.C. Supreme Court Justice Michael Tammen, was aimed at promoting reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
The individuals, identified as Sleydo’ (Molly Wickham), Shaylynn Sampson, and Corey Jocko, were found guilty of criminal contempt for their involvement in a blockade on Wet’suwet’en traditional territory. Their actions breached a 2019 injunction against obstructing work on the pipeline.
Sleydo’ was given a suspended net sentence of 17 days, Jocko 12 days, and Sampson 9 days. The jail terms will only be enforced if there are further violations within a year. Additionally, each must complete 150 hours of community service.
While the Crown argued for jail time to uphold the rule of law, the defense pushed for time served, citing concerns about the court’s integrity following an abuse of process ruling. The individuals had alleged excessive force by RCMP during their arrests, which the court partially acknowledged as Charter rights violations.
The defense emphasized the historical context, referring to past legal decisions and agreements that have not been effectively implemented. They emphasized the unique circumstances that influenced the defendants’ actions and called for a more lenient sentence.
Justice Tammen considered the failure to implement agreements with Indigenous Peoples and the legacy of colonization in his decision. He opted to suspend part of the jail sentences in the hope of fostering respect for the legal system and advancing reconciliation efforts.
The blockade caused delays but did not halt the completion of the Coastal GasLink pipeline, which spans 670 kilometers across northern British Columbia. The pipeline transports natural gas to a terminal in Kitimat for export to Asia. LNG Canada completed its first shipment in June.
In closing statements, Sleydo’ reiterated the importance of Wet’suwet’en land rights, emphasizing the deep connection between the people and their ancestral lands. They expressed the fundamental role of the land in shaping their laws and identity.