A Wet’suwet’en leader and two other individuals opposing the Coastal GasLink pipeline have received suspended jail sentences and community service for violating an injunction against obstructing pipeline work. B.C. Supreme Court Justice Michael Tammen described the suspended sentences as a form of judicial clemency, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. The three 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.
Despite facing potential jail time, their sentences have been suspended, with the condition that they complete 150 hours of community service and avoid any further breaches of the injunction or court conditions within the next year. The Crown pushed for imprisonment, citing the need to uphold the rule of law and deter similar actions in the future. On the other hand, the defense argued for time served, highlighting concerns about the court’s integrity following an abuse of process ruling.
During the sentencing proceedings, Justice Tammen acknowledged the breach of the trio’s Charter rights and condemned derogatory remarks made by police officers during the arrests. He also recognized the hardships endured by the individuals during their time in RCMP custody, emphasizing the need to consider the historical context and the ongoing challenges faced by the Wet’suwet’en Nation.
In the end, Tammen opted to suspend the remaining jail sentences in the hopes of promoting respect for the Canadian common law courts and advancing the goal of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. The Coastal GasLink pipeline project, which was temporarily delayed by the blockade, has since been completed, with natural gas now being exported to Asia from northern British Columbia.