The protests in Ada'itsx/Fairy Creek and its subsequent solutions are complicated by a contested understanding of both the colonial history and the future of the land.
Explore below to learn more about the different motivations, goals and histories of each group involved.
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| Source: Rainforest Flying Squad |
The Rainforest Flying Squad:
The Rainforest Flying Squad represents the protesters, and is led by the Paachedaht Indigenous Elder and former logger Bill Jones [1]. While they are protesting for the protection of the old growth, they state that they are not against logging, but are committed to advocating for a right to choose where and how to log on unceded, Indigenous land with the interference of colonial infrastructure [2].
Listen to Bill Jones discuss his perspective below:
Teal Jones:
According to the current justice system, the logging company Teal Jones currently owns the legal rights to the land [4]. The company maintains that their inability to log Fairy Creek will result in significant, negative financial consequences both for the company itself and the local employees [5]. They oppose the protests, arguing that "it is a myth that old growth in (Ada'itsx/Fairy Creek) is at risk" [6].
Click here to read Teal Jones’ statement on the September 29th injunction.
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| Map showing the location of Ada'itsx/Fairy Creek within the Pacheedaht Territory (Source- The Narwal) |
The Pacheedaht Nation:
The Pacheedaht Nation recognizes their elected Chief Jeff Jones and their hereditary Chief Frank Queesto Jones, and supports Teal Jones in their right to log the land [7]. In the face of criticism of their support, the nation highlighted their increased autonomy resulting from the employment of 20% of those on reserve in logging, and their deal with the provincial government where they receive a percentage of all logging profits [8]. However, protesters have noted that this financial deal is not as lucrative as it should be, and that by agreeing to it, the Pacheedaht Nation is legally not able to participate in the protests [9]. Currently, the Pacheedaht Nation is working with the provincial government to develop conservation and funding plans to protect their lands [10].
Over the summer of 2021, the nation requested that the Rainforest Flying Squad cease their protests due to concerns over fire safety. When the protesters did not leave, they criticized the Rainforest Flying Squad as continuing to inflict colonialism by not listening to their request and continuing to protest [11].
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| 2021 agreement on revenue sharing and conservation between the Pacheedaht Nation and the Provincial Government of British Columbia |
The Provincial Government:
The New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Josh Horgan have been in political power in British Columbia since 2017 [12]. The government recognizes the elected Chief of the Paachedaat Nation, Jeff Jones [13]. In 2019 the government committed to 14 steps to protect the old growth forests, however, there has been little progress in protection since [14]. As a colonial infrastructure, many protesters argue that both the government and the judicial system are ill-equipped to effectively evaluate the situation [15].
Listen to MP Josh Horgan speak on the ongoing protests below:
The Judicial System:
As of October 2021, the provincial legal system has upheld the injunction proposed by Teal Jones against the protesters [16]. Due to a lack of legal precedent in the Canadian judiciary system in terms of the consideration of environmental consequences or reconciliation, when considering the injunctions, the Justices have made their legal decision solely upon the financial impacts of the logging on the company and the local economy [17].
What do you think of the Ada'itsx/Fairy Creek protests?
How would you go about creating a solution?
What needs to change and what do we need to keep in order to move forward?
Click here to share your thoughts.
Sources
[1] Rainforest Flying Squad. “Why we stand with Pacheedaht elder Bill Jones”. 18-04-2021. https://laststandforforests.com/news-media/why-we-stand-with-pacheedaht-elder-bill-jones/
[2] Rainforest Flying Squad. “Why we stand with Pacheedaht elder Bill Jones”. 18-04-2021. https://laststandforforests.com/news-media/why-we-stand-with-pacheedaht-elder-bill-jones/
[3] Little, Simon. Injunction against Fairy Creek old-growth protesters re-imposed on interim basis. Global News. 09-10-2021. https://globalnews.ca/news/8256278/fairy-creek-protester-injunction-reimposed/
[4] Teal Jones statement- Supreme Court of British Columbia injunction decision. Teal Jones. 30-09-2021. https://tealjones.com/1425-2/
[5] Teal Jones statement- Supreme Court of British Columbia injunction decision. Teal Jones. 30-09-2021. https://tealjones.com/1425-2/
[6] Renner Serena and Zoe Yunker. The Fairy Creek blockades: inside the complicated fight for B.C.'s last ancient forests. The Narwhal. (26-03-2021). https://thenarwhal.ca/fairy-creek-blockade-bc-old-growth/
[7] Cox, Sarah. Inside the Pacheedaht Nation's stand on Fairy Creek logging blockades. The Narwhal. 01-07-2021. https://thenarwhal.ca/pacheedaht-fairy-creek-bc-logging/
[8] Renner Serena and Zoe Yunker. The Fairy Creek blockades: inside the complicated fight for B.C.'s last ancient forests. The Narwhal. (26-03-2021). https://thenarwhal.ca/fairy-creek-blockade-bc-old-growth/
[9] Galimski, Norman. Pacheedaht elder's support for Fairy Creek protesters puts him at odds with own council. Time Colonist. 11-07-2021. https://www.timescolonist.com/islander/pacheedaht-elder-s-support-for-fairy-creek-protesters-puts-him-at-odds-with-own-council-1.24340943
[10] Cox, Sarah. Inside the Pacheedaht Nation's stand on Fairy Creek logging blockades. The Narwhal. 01-07-2021. https://thenarwhal.ca/pacheedaht-fairy-creek-bc-logging/
[11] McElroy, Justin. NDP Leader John Horgan to be next premier of British Columbia. CBC News. 30-06-2017. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/horgan-government-guichon-2017-1.4185204
[12] Murray, Millie. A War in the Woods: The Division of the Fairy Creek Watershed. The Mcgill International Review. 08-08-2021. https://www.mironline.ca/a-war-in-the-woods-the-division-of-the-fairy-creek-watershed/
[13] Murray, Millie. A War in the Woods: The Division of the Fairy Creek Watershed. The Mcgill International Review. 08-08-2021. https://www.mironline.ca/a-war-in-the-woods-the-division-of-the-fairy-creek-watershed/
[14] Fairy Creek: The Last Stand (Documentary Film). YouTube. Just in Canada/Juste au Canada. 04-08-2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-DitozPh98
[15] Judge grants temporary injunction at Fairy Creek, citing economic harm to logging company. CBC News. 09-10-2021. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/fairy-creek-injunction-appeal-1.6204905
[16] Roach, Kent. The Fairy Creek injunction battle needs to consider harm to environmental and Indigenous rights. The Globe and Mail. 13-10-2021. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-the-fairy-creek-injunction-battle-needs-to-consider-harm-to/
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