The Tiny House occupation at Blue River violates Secwépemc laws and customs, write Chiefs Shelly Loring (Simpcw) and Rosanne Casimir (Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc) in a Joint Statement today.
“Since the beginning of time, we have independently provided stewardship in our territory – Simpcwúl’ecw,” said Chief Loring. “In 2017, we gave our free, prior and informed consent to Trans Mountain to build and operate the new pipeline here,” she added.
“The Tiny House Warriors are not from Simpcw, nor are they our guests in our territory,” said Simpcw Councillor Martha Matthew. “They don’t speak for us,” she added.
“I share their concern for the safety of women and girls, but they won’t talk to us about the work we’re doing,” said Chief Loring. “For example, we currently have 19 women working at Trans Mountain. They report positive experiences – and no serious incidents.”
“As leaders, our priority is safety – and Simpcw is doing the necessary work,” said Simpcw Councillor Ron Lampreau Jr. “It’s time for the Tiny House Warriors to stand down and step off of Simpcwúl’ecw.”
