Letter to the editor
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) expresses profound disappointment in the recent sentencing of Green Party Deputy Leader and Guardian for the Da’naxda’xw/Awaetlala First Nation, Angela Davidson, also known as “Rainbow Eyes.” The decision, handed down on Wednesday, April 24 in Nanaimo has stirred a wave of concern within Indigenous communities and their allies across Canada.
Davidson has been sentenced to 60 days of incarceration and 75 hours of community service for seven counts of criminal contempt related to her involvement in the Fairy Creek logging blockades on Vancouver Island, a movement she has passionately supported for the past three years.
Despite being credited for 12 days of time served during pretrial proceedings, this sentence surpasses even the prosecution’s recommendation, casting a shadow of injustice over the proceedings.
National Chief Elmer St. Pierre of CAP voices the collective dismay, stating, “This is not the outcome we have hoped for. The Canadian justice system needs to stop contributing to the over-incarceration of our people. This is unjust and ultimately an infringement upon her fundamental human rights.”
The incarceration of Rainbow Eyes, for her activism in safeguarding Indigenous lands and customs, directly goes against governmental pledges to honour Indigenous rights, as stated in UNDRIP and provincial laws.
“The incarceration of Angela Davidson serves as a reminder of the bigger problem within the justice system that often fails to adequately recognize and respect Indigenous sovereignty and the rights inherent to Indigenous Peoples,” says CAP National Vice-Chief Kim Beaudin.
CAP calls upon authorities to re-evaluate their approach to cases involving Indigenous activists and to ensure that justice is served equitably and in alignment with the principles of reconciliation and respect for Indigenous rights.
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
