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Wet’suwet’en support rally blocks Calgary’s Reconciliation Bridge

Click to play video: 'Wet’suwet’en solidarity protest blocks traffic on Calgary’s Memorial Drive'
Wet’suwet’en solidarity protest blocks traffic on Calgary’s Memorial Drive
WATCH: A rally in support of the Wet’suwet’en Nation and its efforts to stop construction of the Coastal GasLink pipeline shut down Calgary’s Memorial Drive on Monday. Michael King reports. – Feb 10, 2020

A rally in support of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs led to the closure of Calgary’s Reconciliation Bridge on Monday afternoon.

Dozens of people with signs held high were seen in the intersection of 4 Street N.E. and Memorial Drive — protesting in the construction of a massive natural gas pipeline that will cross the Wet’suwet’en traditional territory.

They eventually moved the rally onto the bridge itself.

Click to play video: 'Protestors shut down major Calgary intersection to support Wet’suwet’en'
Protestors shut down major Calgary intersection to support Wet’suwet’en

The $6-billion, 670-kilometre Coastal GasLink pipeline signed agreements with 20 other elected First Nations situated along the route, but Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs say the pipeline cannot be built without their consent.

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About 150 to 200 people were gathered on the north side of the Calgary bridge chanting, drumming, shouting and singing just after 1 p.m. Monday.

Protesters blocked the Reconciliation Bridge in Calgary on Monday as part of a rally in support of Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs. Jessie Weisner/Global News

Calgary police officers and EMS were on hand a the peaceful protest helping to direct and block traffic. Police told Global News the group was allowed to rally and block the roadway for up to two hours from noon to 2 p.m.

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The rally, organized by Idle No More Calgary, started at the TransCanada Tower in downtown Calgary.

While regular traffic wasn’t allowed through the blockade, emergency vehicles were allowed across the bridge and through the rally.

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Memorial Drive was reopened to traffic by 1:50 p.m.

— With files from Global News’ Rachael D’Amore

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