Initial talks between the Wet91裸聊视频檚uwet91裸聊视频檈n hereditary chiefs and ministers from the provincial and federal governments have wrapped up for the day with plans to continue tomorrow.

Speaking to reporters outside the Office of the Wet91裸聊视频檚uwet91裸聊视频檈n in Smithers, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett and B.C. Indigenous Relations Minister Scott Fraser said the mood in the room was positive and they91裸聊视频檙e optimistic about heading into Friday91裸聊视频檚 discussions.

Neither minister would comment on the groundwork laid today with the hereditary chiefs.

91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 not appropriate to talk about,91裸聊视频� Fraser said. 91裸聊视频淲e don91裸聊视频檛 want to jeopardize anything. We had a productive day today and hopefully a very solid day tomorrow.91裸聊视频�

Hereditary chief Na91裸聊视频檓oks, who91裸聊视频檚 taken on the role of spokesperson for the chiefs, did not comment to the press.

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The meeting comes amid continuing protests and road and rail blockades across the country, including at the B.C. Legislature this week. The protests have been ongoing since early February in opposition to the Coastal GasLink (CGL), a 670-kilometre natural gas pipeline being built through Wet91裸聊视频檚uwet91裸聊视频檈n traditional lands.

Na91裸聊视频檓oks said earlier today it91裸聊视频檚 still premature to speculate when the blockades will end.

91裸聊视频淢ost of them [supporters] are awaiting us to request it. If they see progress then things will quickly deescalate. We just ask that things remain peaceful.91裸聊视频�

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Earlier today the RCMP announced they will cease patrols of the Morice West Service Road during the talks. CGL also announced a two-day pause on pre-construction of the pipeline in the Morice River area. These two conditions were critical for the hereditary chiefs to begin talks with the provincial and federal governments.

More to come.