Episode 34 - The Criminalization of Indigenous Land Defenders in Canada

- Our Truth Part Two, Shay Lynn Sampson and Jesse Cardinal

WHAT

This is part one of a four part series on the criminalization of land defenders

across Canada, highlighting firsthand experiences and legal injustices.

WHO

Shaylynn Sampson is a Gitxsan woman from Wilp Spookxw of the Lax Gibuu

with Wet’suwet’en family ties and human rights defender.

She has participated in the Indigenous Youth for Wet’suwet’en and re-

occupation movements, and also in defence actions of the Wet’suwet’en land

from the negative effects of the construction of a gas pipeline in the territory.

She was also the Youth Engagement Coordinator for Indigenous Climate

Action, an organization of and for indigenous communities, with the aim

empowering indigenous activists in the defence of their sovereignty, land and

environment.

Jesse Cardinal is the Executive Director of Keepers of the Water. In this role,

she has challenged the disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous

organizations and created a more just environment for their work.

One of Jesse’s most significant achievements with Keepers of the Water is the

successful mobilization to protect the Athabasca River. Tar sands, one of the

largest industrial projects globally, generated enormous amounts of hazardous

waste that was proposed to be dumped into the river. Jesse, her team, and

other organizations presented scientific evidence and raised international

awareness about the potential catastrophic impacts on the water, wildlife, and

downstream communities. Their efforts prevented the dumping.

MUSIC

Song: Resurgence

Composer: Ghostrifter Official

Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoRhkLdsX2OKwaEjwdZIQ8Q

License: Free To Use YouTube license youtube-free

Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com