‘Gut-wrenching:’ Drilling starts under Wet’suwet’en river | Ricochet: “I’m going to go for a walk in and check on things,” explains Namoks
bluntly. He locks eyes with the guard and the eyeglasses resting on the
top of his nose catch the glare of the sun.

“I’m going to stay on the main road, people are coming with me for my
security and safety because I do not trust you or the RCMP.”

A thick tension permeates the air.

“We will not be impeding the work,” continues Namoks. “We’re just going to go in and check on things and walk.”

The security guard answers sharply, “I just want to remind you that
work being conducted here is lawfully authorized and permitted.”

Namoks affirms his sovereign authority. “I am the hereditary chief and I have full jurisdiction over…”

The guard continues, speaking over Namoks, and looking away to face
the land defenders, “the Supreme Court of BC injunction is in place with
enforcement prohibiting anyone from interfering with, stopping or
obstructing work activities.”

Namoks again tells the guard he has the legal right to access the
area and requests to see the CGL drill pad site that will destroy this
part of his homelands.