Supporters of WetB次元官网网址檚uwetB次元官网网址檈n hereditary chiefs and their bid to stop a pipeline across their traditional territories returned to the British Columbia legislature Monday night despite a court injunction prohibiting protests blocking entrances to the building.

About 300 people were gathered at the front steps, with many crowding at the buildingB次元官网网址檚 ceremonial gates used by dignitaries including the lieutenant-governor and members of the Royal Family.

Police were also on the steps standing next to the supporters, but there were no reports of arrests.

B次元官网网址淲e are not here seeking arrest,B次元官网网址� said Indigenous youth leader TaB次元官网网址橩iaya Blaney, speaking with a megaphone. B次元官网网址淲e are here as our duty as Indigenous youth. Bring your blankets, itB次元官网网址檚 going to be a long night.B次元官网网址�

At about 7 p.m., the supporters blocked the progress of a police van that arrived at the legislature. They linked arms and chanted, B次元官网网址減eaceful and with love, unarmed and non-violent.B次元官网网址�

Several police officers got out of the van without incident.

The group placed a carved ceremonial mask on the ceremonial gates, saying it would look after them during their gathering. A fire they said was sacred was lit in a steel pit that was placed at the top of the legislature stairs.

The legislature was the scene of widespread protests on Feb. 11 that prompted the Speaker to obtain an injunction when entrances to the building were blocked.

Indigenous youth leader Saul Brown told the protest their cause is worthy despite the court injunction.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e asking you to stand with us shoulder to shoulder,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淵ou are on the right side of history.B次元官网网址�

While the demonstrators gathered at the legislature, others blocked a road leading to the Port of Vancouver, as well as tracks carrying a Lower Mainland commuter train and a rail line outside New Hazelton.

The moves came after police arrested 10 people and dismantled a rail blockade on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in eastern Ontario, stoking tensions in the dispute even as it paved the way for train service to resume.

The blockade had been set up in support of the hereditary chiefs of the WetB次元官网网址檚uwetB次元官网网址檈n Nation, who oppose the development of the Coastal GasLink natural gas pipeline project that crosses their traditional territory in northwestern British Columbia. The pipeline, however, has the support of elected band councils along the pipeline route.

The WetB次元官网网址檚uwetB次元官网网址檈n house chiefs set three conditions last week for meeting with federal leaders but a spokesman for the chiefs said Monday they havenB次元官网网址檛 been met.

The chiefs have called for the removal of an RCMP mobile unit, the end of foot patrols and the removal of Coastal GasLink workers from their traditional territory as conditions for meeting with the federal government.

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Dirk Meissner, The Canadian Press

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