Secwepemc Say No to TMX Trial Support
Donation protected
UPDATE:
Our trials were adjourned from August 3rd, 2021 to Nov 15 and Dec 13th 2021. We are being tried for criminal contempt of court. The prosecution is seeking 14- 28 days in jail for the eight after being arrested in October 2020 near Trans Mountain Pipeline’s construction sites in Secwepemcúl’ecw beside Sqeq’petsin (The Thompson River)
Those facing sentencing include; Hereditary Chief Sawsess who tried to leave the area and was stopped and detained by police. Miranda Dick, Secwepemc Matriarch who was performing ceremony. Billie Pierre from the Nlaka'pamux Nation who was violently abused by more than 8 male police officers who were not wearing masks and April Thomas, Secwepemc woman who also was taken by police as she left the site when no one was watching and who was not read her rights. In addition four settler supporters; Romilly Cavanaugh, Heather Lamoureux, Susan Bibbings and Laura Zadorozny.
We are asking for your support to prepare for this unprecedented jurisdictional case. The colonial courts have no jurisdiction on unceded Secwepemcúl’ecw. We will continue to stand for our rights to clean water and food soveriegnty.
USE OF FUNDS
Pre-Trial Expenses:
- Gas money and accommodation for the eight arrested land defenders to meet and prepare for their upcoming trial. We do not all live in the same area so need to travel to meet (projected cost - $3,000)
- Consultation from a lawyer and having each of our affidavits reviewed (projected cost - $10,000)
Trial Expenses:
- Gas money and accommodation for the eight arrested land defenders during their 5-day trials (projected cost - $7,000)
- Gas money and accommodation for any witnesses or supporters we will be asking to join us (projected cost - $3000)
CONTEXT
The eight water defenders who were arrested on Oct 15 and 17 at the TMX drill sites in Secwepemcúl’ecw appeared before the colonial court last on March 15th. These land defenders are being charged with criminal contempt of court for breeching a colonial injunction which has no jurisdiction on unceded Indigenous land.
On March 1, April Thomas and Miranda Dick demanded a third party adjudication to ensure that the rights of the land defenders were not being infringed upon by the colonial government. This demand was made on the grounds of the colonial government purchase of the TMX pipeline expansion project. This is a direct conflict of interest as the crown acts as judge and prosecution.
Kukstemc to those in advance for supporting. Your witness, your prayers, your art and your time are seen, appreciated and keep us strong. We have defeated projects like these before. Together we can do it again.
JOIN US AS WE DEFEAT THIS PIPELINE.
Our trials were adjourned from August 3rd, 2021 to Nov 15 and Dec 13th 2021. We are being tried for criminal contempt of court. The prosecution is seeking 14- 28 days in jail for the eight after being arrested in October 2020 near Trans Mountain Pipeline’s construction sites in Secwepemcúl’ecw beside Sqeq’petsin (The Thompson River)
Those facing sentencing include; Hereditary Chief Sawsess who tried to leave the area and was stopped and detained by police. Miranda Dick, Secwepemc Matriarch who was performing ceremony. Billie Pierre from the Nlaka'pamux Nation who was violently abused by more than 8 male police officers who were not wearing masks and April Thomas, Secwepemc woman who also was taken by police as she left the site when no one was watching and who was not read her rights. In addition four settler supporters; Romilly Cavanaugh, Heather Lamoureux, Susan Bibbings and Laura Zadorozny.
We are asking for your support to prepare for this unprecedented jurisdictional case. The colonial courts have no jurisdiction on unceded Secwepemcúl’ecw. We will continue to stand for our rights to clean water and food soveriegnty.
USE OF FUNDS
Pre-Trial Expenses:
- Gas money and accommodation for the eight arrested land defenders to meet and prepare for their upcoming trial. We do not all live in the same area so need to travel to meet (projected cost - $3,000)
- Consultation from a lawyer and having each of our affidavits reviewed (projected cost - $10,000)
Trial Expenses:
- Gas money and accommodation for the eight arrested land defenders during their 5-day trials (projected cost - $7,000)
- Gas money and accommodation for any witnesses or supporters we will be asking to join us (projected cost - $3000)
CONTEXT
The eight water defenders who were arrested on Oct 15 and 17 at the TMX drill sites in Secwepemcúl’ecw appeared before the colonial court last on March 15th. These land defenders are being charged with criminal contempt of court for breeching a colonial injunction which has no jurisdiction on unceded Indigenous land.
On March 1, April Thomas and Miranda Dick demanded a third party adjudication to ensure that the rights of the land defenders were not being infringed upon by the colonial government. This demand was made on the grounds of the colonial government purchase of the TMX pipeline expansion project. This is a direct conflict of interest as the crown acts as judge and prosecution.
Kukstemc to those in advance for supporting. Your witness, your prayers, your art and your time are seen, appreciated and keep us strong. We have defeated projects like these before. Together we can do it again.
JOIN US AS WE DEFEAT THIS PIPELINE.
Fundraising team (2)
Heather Lamoureux
Organizer
Vancouver , BC
April Thomas
Team member