Article content continued

“A lot of what I see out there right now, from these people talking about it, is basically opinion. It’s not fact,” he said, adding that nobody has ever proved that elected chiefs have authority only over reserves. “In fact, in the Indian Act band councils are legally authorized to sign agreements and contracts on behalf of the communities.”

But anti-pipeline protesters have not acknowledged this grey area, he said, or the five years of consultations.

“It inflames the situation, and I think that’s what the point is for all these people who are talking like this — Natives and non-Natives alike. They just want to heighten the situation that’s facing us today. And these communities don’t need their issues escalated,” Ellis said. “I’m not sure they are aware of it, but they have the potential to tear these communities apart — right down to family and friends.”

Photo by Kevin Light / REUTERS

For some in the Wet’suwet’en Nation, the solidarity protests are getting out of hand.

Andrew George, a member of the Wet’suwet’en Nation and wing chief of the Gidimt’en, told APTN on Tuesday that Wet’suwet’en Elders are worried about the escalating demonstrations across Canada.

“What currently is going on does not reflect the true governance of the Wet’suwet’en – on both sides,” he said, adding that he is particularly concerned about young people blocking trains and chaining themselves to police cars. “When you look at what’s happening with the youth, it’s spreading like wildfire, but there’s no control.”