The B.C. Supreme Court has granted an interim injunction that prevents Canfor from logging in an area west of Prince George important to the Wet'suwet'en First Nation.
At the same time, the court dismissed a Canfor application for an interim injunction against the Wet'suwet'en defendants who had blockaded in November 2009 road building and logging into Redtop, contained in an area known to the Wet'suwet'en as the Ilk K'il Bin Territory.
The Redtop area is 10 kilometres north of Topley, approximately 250 kilometres west of Prince George.
"My father and grandfather and the other Wet'suwet'en chiefs fought for the protection of our lands their whole lives," Kelah, also known as Mabel Crich, a chief in the House of Ginehklaiyex, said in a statement.
"I am glad to have lived to finally see the recognition of our rights and the importance of the lands to the Wet'suwet'en," said Kelah. "Maybe the government will now treat us with respect and work with us to plan how to protect the lands."
Canfor declined comment Wednesday.
The court injunction will prevent any logging while the Wet'suwe'ten prepares for a trial to protect the Redtop area. David de Wit, a natural resource manager for the Wet'suwet'en, said the court decision is significant because historically First Nations have not had much success getting injunctions of this type.
Justice Dillon noted in her decision that if Canfor was allowed to continue its logging activity, a trial would be of little consequence because the harm would have already been caused.
The Wet'suwet'en said they have continuously occupied, used and relied on Ilk K'il Bin since well before first European contact down to the present day. They claim it as one of the last areas where they can hunt, trap, and earn their livelihood.
The Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs said they are prepared to negotiate reconciliation through fair and balanced agreements with all levels of government, and the private sector on acceptable land use and responsible resource development.
It must sustain cultural values, protect environmental integrity, support essential social services, provide economic opportunities, and ensure benefit for the betterment of all, said the chiefs.
