The RCMP responded to allegations of police misconduct raised by Fairy Creek protesters at an Aug.13 press conference and in subsequent posts to social media.

RCMP surround a tripod with a protestor sitting on top at the Fairy Creek blockade. Photo courtesy of the RCMP.

The protest to protect what the Ancient Forest Alliance identifies as "the last unlogged old-growth valley on southern Vancouver Island (outside of parks)" has now been going on for more than a year. It began August 2020 when thirty activists from Victoria informed the Pacheedaht Nation of their intention to protest and put up their first blockade.

On April 1, 2021, the BC Supreme Court granted Teal-Cedar Products Ltd. an injunction prohibiting anyone from obstructing, impeding or interfering with their logging operations in the Fairy Creek Watershed. The RCMP has arrested 690 people since they began enforcing that injunction three months ago.

At the Aug. 13, press conference Rani Earnheart, a Rainforest Flying Squad spokesperson, said she was sure there have been more than a dozen complaints filed against the RCMP. Some of these were from the media, who recently won their court case to obtain access to the Fairy Creek blockades. Other complaints were from protesters.

Regarding the complaints by protesters, RCMP S/Sgt. Janelle Shoihet emailed CKTZ News the following on Aug. 19:   

“To date, we are not aware that we have received official complaints from any arrested persons as it relates to enforcement in Fairy Creek," she stated.

She urged people with concerns about the actions at the blockade to go through proper channels so that an investigation may be conducted, rather than posting to social media.

“We would caution anyone viewing these videos and reading comments to keep in mind that they do not capture the events and lengthy efforts (often hours) leading up to, or following the arrests or attempts of arrests of individuals,” wrote Shoihet.

Personal possessions left behind as protesters are arrested. Photo courtesy of the RCMP.

The RCMP do not operate the heavy equipment being used at Fairy Creek. Nor do they collect people’s personal possessions found on site, Shoihet said. These operations are coordinated by Teal Jones.

Shoihet pointed out that the RCMP have long had concerns about the safety hazards posed by the devices protesters are employing at Fairy Creek.

“We have been providing safety equipment like hard hats, face shields and ear protection on individuals while they are being removed from their devices. We have also been providing medical assessments at several points during the removal and arrest processes, and to date we have not received any complaints or reports of injuries since enforcement began on May 17, 2021,” she said.

“Our actions and those of the individuals arrested will be subject to upcoming court proceedings, in which all available information and evidence will be brought before the courts," she added.

Listen below for the CKTZ story. Audio includes exerpts from Facebook videos posted to the Rainforest Flying Squad Facebook page.