Elder group heading to Victoria court to protest RCMP exclusion zones at Fairy Creek

A group of determined seniors who call themselves Elders for Ancient Trees are bringing court action to stop the RCMP from blocking access in the Fairy Creek Watershed.

They argue the RCMP’s exclusion zones, which police have been using to tightly control access to the area, are a violation of Justice Frits Verhoeven’s injunction order.

The April 1 order states that public access to the forests and the right to peaceful protest must be maintained.

In a shaded press conference beside the Premier’s rose garden in Victoria at the legislature Monday, Saul Arbess emphasized that legal action has become necessary to “force the RCMP to stop acting like an occupying army.”

Shouts of, “Shame! Shame!” came from the crowd of about 40 supporters.

Read the full article here: https://www.vicnews.com/news/elder-group-heading-to-victoria-court-to-protest-rcmp-exclusion-zones-at-fairy-creek/

Elders for Ancient Trees insist that the court affirm the right of access, Jackie Larkin tells a gathered crowd at the legislature on June 28. (Zoe Ducklow/News Staff)
Elders for Ancient Trees insist that the court affirm the right of access, Jackie Larkin tells a gathered crowd at the legislature on June 28. (Zoë Ducklow/News Staff)