Angela Davidson, the deputy leader of the Green Party of Canada has been sentenced to 51 days in federal prison. She was one of the leaders of the largest act of civil disobedience in Canadian history. Davidson, a member of the Da’naxda’xw First Nation, was among over a thousand protesters charged for defying court orders intended to protect the logging operations of Teal Cedar at Fairy Creek on Vancouver Island.
In 2021, Davidson entered areas covered by an injunction on three separate occasions to deliver food and participate in protests, which included playing a drum. Her actions were found to constitute seven separate acts of criminal contempt. When sentenced, Davidson was given a 60-day prison sentence and ordered to perform 75 hours of community service. Having served time in pre-sentence custody, his remaining prison term was reduced to 39 days, which was further reduced to 51 days on appeal.
Davidson’s breaches of the injunction were described by the panel of appeal judges as “separate acts, deliberately committed over a period of eight months.” She also chained herself to a public road-blocking gate, which is a crime. At one point during protests, she descended onto equipment and wrapped herself around protesting machinery.
Aside from these protests, Davidson was not a criminal. Her lawyer, Benjamin Isitt, is going to apply for leave to appeal the ruling. Chief Justice McLachlin took this question to the Supreme Court of Canada.
“She said that she was chosen by her Elders and others in her community to become involved in protecting the lands, waters, and trees.” – the panel of appeal judges
The sentencing judge noted that Davidson’s actions “formed part of organized, large-scale defiance of the injunction” and were “carried out to obtain publicity for her cause.” These statements underscore the seriousness with which the court considered her conduct.
Additionally, Davidson’s deep ties to her community and the years she spent protecting the environment have been featured in court proceedings. The panel of judges recognized her efforts, stating that she “considers it her duty, as an Indigenous woman and Land Guardian, to protect the integrity of the land and particularly the cedar trees.”
Davidson, having just walked out of the Alouette Correctional Centre for Women in Maple Ridge after six days of incarceration. Personally, she’s getting ready to get back into her political life. She is running this time for the Green Party. Her immediate aim is to get her home territory of the Northwest Territories into the next federal election, expected on April 28.
“By tomorrow afternoon, she’ll be back on the campaign trail.” – Benjamin Isitt
