A deputy leader of the federal Green Party told the court at her sentencing hearing in Nanaimo Friday that she was led by “a higher calling” when she protested against old-growth logging at Fairy Creek.
Angela Davidson, also called Rainbow Eyes, was found guilty in January of seven counts of criminal contempt for her actions during protests at Fairy Creek in 2021 and 2022.
The counts involved breaching injunction and bail orders.
Her hearing Thursday and Friday in Nanaimo drew a crowd of her supporters to the city’s courthouse.
As the defence wrapped up its presentation to B.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson Friday afternoon, Davidson gave an address of about 20 minutes.
She acknowledged she has been found guilty of the offences against her, and said she did not do what she did “in order to disrespect this court.”
“But I was forced to do so by a higher calling, one that I have been taught by my grandparents, elders [and] spiritual leaders of our nations.”
Davidson said it has been some time since she was in the Fairy Creek area. “There have been ceremonies missed that I did not go to and I will not go back into Fairy Creek until this court allows.”
She said there is a “global web” of people standing up for forests, which she called “much more than a collection of trees.”
The Crown has called for a 51-day jail sentence for the 37-year-old Kwakwaka’wakw woman, as well as 12 days’ of credit for jail time already served and either a $2,250 fine or 75 hours of community service.
Defence lawyer Ben Isitt asked for any more jail time to be suspended, suggesting a 13-day sentence that also includes 12 days of jail-time credit.
The defence also said Davidson could serve 12 months of probation that includes 75 hours of community service rather than a fine.
A decision on her case is expected April 24.
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