The Green Party of Canada announced that they are “standing by” Deputy Leader and N.W.T’s federal candidate as she prepares to face the Supreme Court of Canada.
Rainbow Eyes who is also known as Angela Davidson, is appealing charges stemming from environmental protest during the 2021 Fairy Creek old-growth logging demonstrations.
“The Green Party of Canada is honoured to have a courageous Indigenous land defender as Deputy leader. The party hopes justice will prevail and that she will be allowed to campaign in the Northwest Territories in this snap election,” the party announced on April 10.
On April 10 the BC Court of Appeal approved to reduce Davidson’s original sentence of 60 days by nine days.
The court ruled that Davidson was “entitled to 12 days credit for time spent in pre-sentence custody”
The court sentenced Davidson to 51 days’ imprisonment. The court upheld the 18 months probation, and 75 hours of community service (consistent with initial sentencing in 2024).
The court ruled for Davidson to be released on bail pending the appeal of her case, and also directed correctional authorities to account for the six days Davidson served in custody.
Davidson’s actions were defended as non-violent and in harmony with Indigenous laws by the party.
“No one can campaign from a jail cell. Democracy demands that non-violent acts of civil disobedience in accordance with Indigenous law be respected.
The Green Party urged the federal court to respond with clemency.
“There is much that needs to be determined and we fervently hope the Supreme Court of Canada will grant leave to appeal,” said Green Party co-Leader Elizabeth May.
“We stand in solidarity with Rainbow Eyes in her defence of the old growth forest and Fairy Creek and Indigenous rights in defence of Mother Earth,” May added.
Party co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault also voiced impassioned support for Davidson.
“All too often the law protects the powerful at the expense of the most vulnerable–nature and those who fight for the sanctity of our planet,” said Pedneault.
The party praised Davidson fight for “nature, for people, for the planet.”
“Her only crime was to disrespect a court order that upheld laws putting private interest above the public good. Greens fight for the rule of law, and we want to change those laws to ensure they recognize our common responsibility to protect our territory, nature and resources from those who exploit them without regard for Indigenous knowledge and custodianship, sustainability and biodiversity. We are proud to stand by Rainbow Eyes. While we respect the courts’ decisions, we certainly support its appeal process,” said Pedneault.
Pedneault compared Davidson to historic leaders and activists who are known for their bravery and commitment to social justice.
