A Wet’suwet’en leader and two other individuals opposed to the Coastal GasLink pipeline project have been handed suspended jail terms and community service for violating an injunction against obstructing the pipeline’s construction. The B.C. Supreme Court Justice, Michael Tammen, described this form of suspended sentence as a gesture of judicial clemency aimed at promoting reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
The convicted individuals, including Sleydo’ (Molly Wickham), Shaylynn Sampson, and Corey Jocko, were found guilty of criminal contempt in January 2024 for their involvement in a blockade on Wet’suwet’en traditional territory, breaching a 2019 court injunction against obstructing the pipeline project. Justice Tammen imposed net sentences of 17 days for Sleydo’, 12 days for Jocko, and 9 days for Sampson, but these terms are suspended. The jail time will only be served if there are further breaches within the next year, and each individual must complete 150 hours of community service.
The Crown prosecutor had pushed for jail time, citing the importance of upholding the rule of law and deterring similar actions in the future. The defense argued for time served, highlighting concerns about the integrity of the court system following allegations of excessive force by the RCMP during the arrests.
Justice Tammen acknowledged the breach of the individuals’ Charter rights during the arrests and condemned the derogatory remarks made by police officers. He also considered the trio’s harsh treatment during transport, emphasizing the need to address the historical context and the legacy of colonization that influenced their actions.
While the Crown proposed jail sentences, the defense advocated for time served and community service to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in incarceration. Ultimately, Justice Tammen decided to suspend the remaining jail sentences in an effort to promote respect for the Canadian legal system and advance reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
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 is designed to transport natural gas to a terminal in Kitimat for export to Asia. Despite the sentencing, Sleydo’ reaffirmed the Wet’suwet’en Nation’s assertion that their land has never been relinquished and remains integral to their identity and laws.