Login / RegisterB.C. First Nation to join anti-tar sands protest in Ottawa
B.C. First Nations representatives are gearing up for an anti-oilsands industry protest planned next week in Ottawa.
Hundreds of people are expected to take part in the action on Monday, September 26, organized by the Council of Canadians, Greenpeace Canada, and the Indigenous Environmental Network.
Organizers say the plan is to hold a “large peaceful protest” but they caution that some participants may run the risk of arrest.
Jasmine Thomas, of the Saik’uz First Nation, plans to travel to Ottawa to take part.
“I hope that people see that there is no need to continue developing tarsands because there are other ways that we can build up our economy that doesn’t need to depend on fossil fuels,” she told the Straight by phone.
“Making that transition to more green-energy initiatives is something that many Canadians and people around the world are calling for.”
Thomas’ community is part of the Yinka Dene Alliance, a group of five northern B.C. First Nations that oppose the proposed Northern Gateway oil pipeline from Alberta to coastal B.C.
The action in Ottawa follows a similar protest in Washington, D.C., calling on President Barack Obama to oppose the Keystone XL oil pipeline that would link Alberta and the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Adam Thomas, also of the Saik’uz First Nation, took part in the recent action in the U.S. capital. He plans to travel to Ottawa for Monday’s action and says it will be a good way to show solidarity with the recent protest south of the border.
“My plans are to send a message to the Harper government that I will not stand for our land, air, water, and fundamental human rights of our people to be sacrificed for tarsands oil…,” he told the Straight by phone.
The Ottawa protest also has support from many high-profile Canadians including author Naomi Klein, renowned actor Gordon Pinsent, and SCTV comedian Dave Thomas.
“I hope that people see that there is no need to continue developing tarsands because there are other ways that we can build up our economy that doesn’t need to depend on fossil fuels,”
Yep, ripping off taxpayers.
PS: Lawson1945 - learn how to write.
They have deformed fish in Athabasca Lake. There is oil, mercury, heavy metals and cancer causing agents in, the mighty Athabasca River. The huge Athabasca watershed, is now contaminated. Wildlife that use that lake or river will eventually perish.
Another flock of ducks died from landing in the filthy grunge. Our beloved Whooping Cranes, fly right over the dirty tar sands, we can only pray they don't decide to land there too. They are very near distinction. The caribou and buffalo are dying.
There is a First Nations village dying of cancer, even the rare cancer of, exposure to petroleum.
There is 740,000 acres of Boreal Forests, the last in all of North America. Sadly there is Bitumen under that forest. That forest is full of song birds and, thousands of wildlife critters live there.
Sadly, man is the most destructive animal on earth, and the most stupid one at that. Animals don't crap in their own nests and den homes. However, man does and it's all for greed.
bunk.
Do you have the actual figures that detail where profits generated from the oil sands go? People who pay taxes are also pocketing money. So please don't create this ridiculous idea that tax payers are philantrophists. Also,the Canadian tax system has many substantial tax exemptions that anybody can take benefit from. But perhaps you are some bored 12 year old just tossing comments around the internet and you don't know any better. People are a lot smarter and knowleddgeable than you think.
p.s. not quite true about crapping in our own nests, bats do it all the time, only bat guano serves to support diverse biodiversity in itself and we have been abusing that too.