Having never sold or ceded their lands to Canada or British Columbia, the Unist’ot’en clan has resolved to stop fossil fuel pipelines from being built across their traditional territories without consent.
In the path of a government-backed “energy corridor,” intended to transport bitumen and hydraulically fractured gas to the Pacific coast, the clan has built cabins and a healing centre for Wet’suwet’en people.
I have written about and made documentaries on Unist’ot’en Camp for Al Jazeera America, AJ+, Ricochet, and Vice Canada.
Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs greet members of the Unist'ot'en clan as they enter Unist'ot'en territory.
Freda Huson, Unist'ot'en's spokesperson, and hereditary chief Toghestiy of the Likhts'amisyu clan.
Migizi Inini, Anishinaabe.
Mel Bazil, Gitxsan / Wet'suwet'en.
The entrance to Unist'ot'en territory.
Maariu Giovanni Mikwanis Costa, Cree / Saulteaux.
Fitzgerald Scott, a supporter from New Jersey, preps wood for a traditional Wet'suwet'en pithouse.
A supporter of the Unist'ot'en clan evicts a TransCanada helicopter crew. July 2014.
Wedzin Kwah bridge.
Wedzin Kwah River, Unist'ot'en Camp's water supply.