In a recent Victoria News article by Evan Lindsay, published April 9, 2025, Green Party deputy leader Rainbow Eyes (Angela Davidson) spoke publicly following the BC Court of Appeal’s decision to reduce her jail sentence for criminal contempt related to the Fairy Creek old-growth logging protests.
“We are still trying to braid the laws – the Indigenous and natural laws, and the colonial laws,” Rainbow Eyes told Victoria News.
“I’ve appealed the sentence and am asking the Supreme Court of Canada to recognize these laws. We are in a time of reconciliation and action, raising awareness about our collective history and duties in the face of the ecological and humanitarian crises in our world.”
The BC Court of Appeal vacated the 60-day jail term imposed by the Supreme Court of British Columbia, substituting a reduced sentence of 51 days. Rainbow Eyes is now free pending her appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Her legal counsel, Ben Isitt, spoke out in the same report:
“We welcome the B.C. Court of Appeal’s decision to allow the appeal and vacate the harsh sentence imposed by Chief Justice Hinkson.”
“However, we believe the Court of Appeal engaged in an unreasonable balancing in imposing a sentence of 51 days jail.”
“[She] is asking the Supreme Court of Canada to conduct a proper Gladue analysis that takes into account her duties as a Kwakwaka’wakw land guardian protecting cedar trees at Fairy Creek and assisting in the search for a missing Coast Salish person.”
The article also quoted Pacheedaht Elder Bill Jones, a supporter of Rainbow Eyes throughout her trial:
“I asked Rainbow Eyes and numerous others to come to my territory to defend our great mother’s gift to us for our spiritual and religious practice.”
“Rainbow Eyes was and is faithful to that cause and continues to show strength and dedication in her resolve in the protection of our great mother’s gift to us.”
Ben Isitt also described her public stature:
“Rainbow Eyes is widely recognized as a leading voice within both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.”
Rainbow Eyes currently serves as an elected councillor of the Da’naxda’xw First Nation and is the Green Party candidate in the Northwest Territories.
