The group, called Indigenous Climate Action, also sent a letter to the minister yesterday, explaining their occupation and expressing solidarity with Wet’suwet’en, and against the construction of the Coastal GasLink pipeline.

“As Indigenous youth, we stand with Wet’suwet’en assertion of sovereignty because we understand that Indigenous Peoples will cease to exist without our land; our languages, cultures, and future generations cannot survive without our it,” says the letter.

“Indigenous youth are not only inheriting a climate crisis driven by fossil fuel projects like CGL, but Canada’s legacy of colonization, genocide, and gendered violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. In protecting the lands from industrial development, we are protecting our bodies from violence.”

According to Victoria police, the negotiation between police and protesters lasted 15 hours, and no youth were arrested.

“Twelve adults were taken into custody this morning following a protest which lasted several hours,” said Victoria Police Department in a release.

According to police, officers were called to the building at the 1800-block of Blanshard Avenue at 11 am yesterday, “for a report that a group of protesters had occupied the lobby area.”

Police say they worked with representatives of the group and the province to find a resolution.

“Plain clothes community liaison officers attended and remained on scene to listen to and speak with the participants,” said the release.

“Officers facilitated access to medicine, food, and water. Officers also assisted parents who arrived to pick up youth who were present at the protest.”

At the action led by Indigenous youth at the ministry of energy, mines and petroleum. The Vic PD have the building locked down and are not allowing any entry. Supporters are gathering outside. pic.twitter.com/FQQKzRiqvK — Elora Jane (@tapiocastarch_) January 22, 2020



A number of tweets and Facebook live videos captured the arrests of the peaceful protesters overnight, and were circulated on social media.

Social media reports indicate that the youth occupied the offices for nearly 24 hours.

Daily Hive has reached out to the organizers of the protest but did not receive comment by time of publication.