In 1995 the Canadian government carried out the largest domestic paramilitary campaign ever, against 23 members of the Secwepemc at Gustafsen Lake, British Columbia, known by the Secwepemc as Ts'Peten. The land defenders were on a sacred site that was, under the Royal Proclamation of 1763, still unceded by their nation and therefore their territorial land.
77 000 rounds of ammunition, nine armoured vehicles and over 450 emergency response team members were deployed to deal with the standoff. To this day, there has not been an adequate inquiry into the actions of the RCMP or the government in this standoff.
By signing today you are supporting First Nations in their request for an inquiry.
Background:
In 1995 the Ts'Peten (Gustafsen Lake) area was being used by the Secwepemc for a Sundance ceremony. This area was located in their unceded traditional territory. A local cattle rancher who "owned" the land tried to evict the Sundancers and tensions escalated with the Sundancers asserting their right to be on their territorial land.
The situation quickly escalated and the Canadian government sent in the RCMP who executed the largest domestic paramilitary action in Canadian history. When the land defenders left, and were arrested, the resulting trial exposed that the RCMP had used smear campaigns against the land defenders.
The new Liberal government speaks of reconciliation, new nation-to-nation relations, more accountability and more respect of treaty rights. A public inquiry into the Ts'Peten standoff of 1995 will make a good first step for the Canadian government.
Sign today to stand with the Secwepemc elders in their fight for justice and truth.
We, the undersigned, request a full public inquiry into the 1995 Ts'Peten (Gustafsen Lake) standoff. Considering that this is the largest domestic paramilitary operation in Canada's history we believe it is imperative that it is investigated.
Secwepemc elder Wolverine recently sent a letter to the government of Canada requesting a full public inquiry and we stand with him in his request. In light of the new government's commitment to healing relations with First Nations, we believe that this inquiry is necessary to heal the wounds that have been festering for the last 20 years.
