Category: Indigenous Land and Water

Actions in solidarity with Indigenous Land and Water Protectors

Protect the Inlet Flotilla : No Tankers in the Salish Sea

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Above: Unitarians stand with the Tsleil-Waututh to stop Kinder Morgan’s diluted bitumen pipeline and tanker project. The rally took place at the ancient village site of Whey-ah-Wichen in what is now Cates Park, North Vancouver

At least 12 Vancouver (and Victoria) Unitarians gathered with hundreds of water protectors and families from across the Salish Sea to support the Protect the Inlet Flotilla on Saturday, July 14, 2018.

The flotilla of canoes and kayaks gathered and paddle together from the ancient village site of Whey-ah-Wichen, or Cates Park, North Vancouver, across the Slilwat or Burrard Inlet, to the razor-wire fence that Kinder Morgan had erected in the water without consent.

Tsleil Waututh elder, Ta’ah Amy George, led a water ceremony.

Back in Slilwat/Cates Park, chiefs and other First Nations activists from across BC waited for the flotilla and celebrated their return with shared stories, songs, dances, and inspiring words.

Educational Event Raises $8300 for Wild Salmon

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Enviro Page → Wild Salmon → Educational Event → More Highlights

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Above: Second from right, guest speaker Ernest Alfred elected band counsellor and a teacher for Indigenous language and culture from Alert Bay, descending from the ‘Namgis, Mamalilikala and Tawit’sis First Nations

February 16, 2018

An educational event on wild salmon was held, February 16, at the Unitarian Church of Vancouver on unceded Musqueam land. More than $8300 was raised to support wild salmon and coastal First Nations calling for the urgent removal of open-net fish farms. Importantly, we also raised awareness, inspiration, hope, knowledge and commitment – to do more.

The evening began with an entrance into the Sanctuary following traditional coastal First Nations protocol. Visitors declare who they are and request permission to land (or enter) the territory of their host. Cecilia Point representing the Musqueam First Nation welcomed the visitors with drumming and song. She then lead the visitors in a grand procession to the front of the chapel.

Speakers for the evening were Cecilia Point, Ernest Alfred, Julia McIntyre-Smith and Dr. David Suzuki. Musical entertainment by Barry Truter, Michael Averill and the Re:Sisters. The entire evening was recorded and well worth watching more than once.

You’ll find event highlights below, with photos and bios of speakers and musicians. Thank you to all !

(more…)

12th Annual Paddle for the Peace River Valley

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Vancouver Unitarians in Solidarity with Treaty 8 First Nations and Farmers in the Peace River Valley

On July 8th, 2017, several members of the congregation attended Paddle for the Peace –Vancouver in Vanier Park, Kitsilano, to support the 12th Annual Paddle for the Peace celebration in the beautiful Peace River Valley, in northeastern British Columbia.

The Vanier Park event provided an opportunity for Metro Vancouver residents to show solidarity with Treaty 8 First Nations and farmers opposed to the Site C Dam — an $8 billion project that would flood an 80 kilometre stretch of the Peace River Valley.

For more info see:

Paddle for the Peace
Treaty 8 Tribal Association
Treaty 8 — Canadian Encyclopedia
Save the Peace River Valley: Stop Site C Dam.

Celebrate the beautiful Peace River Valley
Dip Your Paddle in Opposition to the Site C Dam