Rolling support for Wet’suwet’en expected on 401

A large convoy of Wet’suwet’en supporters is expected to conduct a demonstration on Highway 401 today, and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning area motorists to be aware of potential traffic delays during their travels today.

“Demonstration activities may periodically delay or interrupt the normal flow of traffic on Highway 401 Westbound from Cornwall to Napanee, Ontario,” said OPP in a release.

The convoy of supporters was expected to leave Cornwall at around 7:00 a.m., making its way westbound to Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.

“The OPP’s objective is to maintain the safe flow of traffic and, when delays occur, restore traffic flow in the safest manner possible. The OPP is also working with those who may organize demonstration events to provide a safe and peaceful opportunity to exercise their lawful rights while minimizing the impact on the traveling public, where possible,” OPP said.

“Motorists should check in advance for road advisory information and monitor local media for the latest updates,” OPP said.

The demonstrations come after dozens of arrests over the past week as Wet’suwet’en land defenders have resisted Coastal GasLink’s plans to drill a tunnel for a natural gas pipeline under the sacred Wedzin Kwa river.

Support rallies have been occurring in communities across the country, including one in Kingston on Sunday, Nov. 21, which blocked the LaSalle Causeway for about an hour as supporters gave speeches and held a drumming and singing session.