
Episode 33- The Criminalization of Indigenous Land Defenders in Canada — Our Truth Part Two, Sleydo' and Jesse Cardinal
As Long As The River FlowsShow Notes
Episode 33- The Criminalization of Indigenous Land Defenders in Canada - Our Truth Part Two - Sleydo' and Jesse Cardinal WHAT This is part one of a four part series on the criminalization of land defenders across Canada, highlighting firsthand experiences and legal injustices. WHO Sleydo' (Molly Wickham) is the spokesperson for the Gidimt'en check-point on Wet'suwet'en territory. She holds the name in Cas Yikh (grizzly house) and has been living on and occupying the territory since 2014 with her children. Gidimt'en check-point has been an Indigenous reoccupation site since 2018 which has been raided three times by militarized RCMP, once on January 7th 2019, on February 5th, 2020, and again on November 18th and 19th 2021, as a result of grassroots resistance to the Coastal Gaslink pipeline project which would bring fracked gas from northeastern B.C to an LNG terminal near Kitimat. Sleydo' has a masters degree in Indigenous Governance from the University of Victoria and is heavily involved in the Wet'suwet'en clan governance system. Jesse Cardinal is the Executive Director of Keepers of the Water. In this role, she has challenged the disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations and created a more just environment for their work. One of Jesse's most significant achievements with Keepers of the Water is the successful mobilization to protect the Athabasca River. Tar sands, one of the largest industrial projects globally, generated enormous amounts of hazardous waste that was proposed to be dumped into the river. Jesse, her team, and other organizations presented scientific evidence and raised international awareness about the potential catastrophic impacts on the water, wildlife, and downstream communities. Their efforts prevented the dumping. MUSIC Song: Sanctum Composer: Scott Buckley Website: https://youtube.com/user/musicbyscottb License: Free To Use YouTube license youtube-free Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com
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Episode 36 - Disarming Bill C-5/5: Indigenous Defence of Land & Democracy Part 1 of a 4 part series WHAT Part one of a four part series on Federal Bill C-5 and Ontario Bill 5 are moving fast — and their implications are profound. These bills contain what legal experts call "Henry the VIII clauses": sweeping powers that allow Cabinet to designate projects of "national interest" (PONIs) that are exempt from democratic process: free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), environmental assessments and protections, labour protections, and more — all behind closed doors. Put plainly: these laws legalize fascist behaviour. Community and solidarity is needed now more than ever.
Episode 35 - The Criminalization of Indigenous Land Defenders in Canada - Our Truth Part Four, Frances Mahon and Erin Riley-Oetll WHAT This is part four of a four part series on the criminalization of land defenders across Canada, highlighting firsthand experiences and legal injustices. WHO Frances Mahon is a fierce litigator. The core of her practice is defending people against serious allegations in a variety of settings, including complex criminal trials and appeals, police investigations, and constitutional government overreach. Frances provides legal services to individuals, families, non-profits, companies, and other organizations. She has appeared in courts and tribunals across the country, including frequent appearances at the Supreme Court of Canada. Erin Riley-Oettl currently serves as the Manager of Human Rights Law, Campaigns, and Advocacy at Amnesty International Canada since August 2023. Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who are committed to creating a future where human rights are enjoyed by everyone. No government is beyond scrutiny. Amnesty International uncovers the truth and holds human rights violators to account. MUSIC Song: A Better Future Composer: Miguel Johnson Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCenTwNA8ioN37RD7bfNSUpA License: Free To Use YouTube license youtube-free Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com