A hereditary house chief with the Wet'suwet'en Nation says the federal and provincial governments have cancelled planned talks over a pipeline impasse that has inspired solidarity protests and rail blockades across the country.
Na'moks, who also goes by John Ridsdale, say government officials asked the hereditary chiefs to request that its supporters and other First Nations "step down on their actions," but the chiefs responded that they can't tell others what to do.
He says he is "heartbroken" over the development and the chiefs are still willing to hold discussions.
"Our integrity, our honesty, our trust was there, but their unwillingness to continue with the meeting is rather disappointing."
The B.C. premier's office says it is unfortunate an agreement couldn't be reached.
In a statement, John Horgan's office says it had hoped the chiefs would agree "to a period of peace and respect during the talks, which would include encouraging their supporters to remove blockades."
It says they still want to meet with the chiefs and will continue to "engage" with them and the federal government.
with a file from Siobhan Morris/NEWSTALK 1010