Episode 32- The Criminalization of Indigenous Land Defenders in Canada — Our Truth Part one, Chief Na'Moks and Jesse Stoeppler

Episode 32- The Criminalization of Indigenous Land Defenders in Canada — Our Truth Part one, Chief Na'Moks and Jesse Stoeppler WHAT This is part one of a four part series on the criminalization of land defenders across Canada, highlighting firsthand experiences and legal injustices. WHO Chief Na'Moks is a Hereditary Chief of the Tsayu (Beaver Clan), one of the five clans of the Wet'suwet'en Nation. The traditional name he carries is thousands of years old and, as part of their matrilineal society, was also held by his grandmother—who wore the very same regalia he wears today. The role of a Hereditary Chief carries the sacred responsibility of protecting the 22,000 square kilometers of Wet'suwet'en territory, a duty grounded in ancestral law that has remained unchanged both before and after colonial contact. As a vocal and respected leader, Chief Na'Moks has brought international attention to the violations of Wet'suwet'en rights in the context of unconsented resource development. He has spoken at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and Geneva, sharing his people's message about the militarized role the RCMP plays on their territory. Since 2019, he has appeared in nearly 100 media interviews, both print and broadcast, denouncing what he describes as a campaign of state-backed harassment, surveillance, and discrimination. Jesse Stoeppler proudly calls the Skeena Watershed home. After completing a degree in Europe he returned to start a family and raise two future leaders amongst the peaks of the beautiful Bulkley Valley. Mentored by Hereditary Chief and Matriarch Yaga'lahl (Dora B. Wilson) he embraces Gitxsan and Wet'suwet'en culture and has been actively participating in title & rights and Clan governance as a member of Wilp Spookwx (Lax Gibuu / Gitumden). As a Project Manager for a multi-million trust fund, Jesse was able to lead the way in establishing comprehensive community planning, land use management and create his community's Indigenous economic development. MUSIC Song: Signal To Noise Composer: Scott Buckley Website: https://youtube.com/user/musicbyscottb License: Free To Use YouTube license youtube-free Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com