The Memorial University Faculty Association (MUNFA) joins the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) in expressing solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en Nation and its Hereditary Chiefs who are insisting upon respect for their autonomy and sovereignty over their unceded land. Forceful intervention by the police will not resolve this dispute. Respectful and meaningful nation-to-nation dialogue, consistent with the principles of reconciliation, is needed.
MUNFA fully supports the CAUT as it calls upon the federal government that peaceful negotiations continue, and that Indigenous rights – which are enshrined in our Constitution, in court rulings, and through the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – are upheld. Governments and communities must acknowledge these rights and the Wet’suwet’en Nation’s inherent right to self-governance and sovereignty. MUNFA offers its support and remains committed to reconciliation and a meaningful, peaceful path towards decolonization.
Link to CAUT statement of solidarity:
https://www.caut.ca/latest/2020/02/solidarity-wetsuweten-nation
