Ape Goes to the Walk 4 the Salish Sea! Kick-Off in Victoria
by Ape - Gorilla-Radio.com
May 25 @ 8:00 am – May 28 @ 6:00 pm
[Musical interludes by Luke Wallace with his tunes, ‘The Non-Violent Anti-Petroleum Blues’ and ‘I Will Hold On, I Am Not Lost,’ plus an appearance by Victoria originals, The Raging Grannies]
“This is a global movement and not just a fight against another dirty pipeline… This is not simply an indigenous issue; climate change and the catastrophic impacts that we have witnessed to date and the potential impacts that will manifest in the future, are a matter of grave concern of all people around the world.”
-Stewart Phillip, Grand Chief of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs
We are all Coast Protectors and the Salish Sea and all the waters flowing down through the Fraser river basin and surrounding communities are at risk from the Kinder Morgan pipeline/tanker expansion. Now is the time to walk the talk on climate justice/clean energy, indigenous rights, marine protection and local democracy.
That’s why we’re calling on defenders of this coast, its ecosystems, people, communities and economies to join us on the Walk for the Salish Sea: a four day march against Tar Sands, Kinder Morgan and all fossil fuel expansion in the absence of indigenous consent, sound science and ecological balance.
From May 25th-28th, we will march from Songhees territory in Victoria to the Kinder Morgan terminal on Tsleil-Waututh territory in Burnaby to show our support for and solidarity with the 22 municipalities, 59 First Nations and hundreds of thousands of British Columbians who oppose the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain expansion.
Our walk will bear witness to the demise of our planet from on-going capitalist- industrial expansion for corporate profit with its disproportionate impacts on the lives, lands and cultures of indigenous peoples who are on the frontlines of this struggle to curb tar sands expansion from Alberta’s downstream Cree and Chipwyan communities to this coast. We join hearts and hands between First Nations, settlers and peoples world-wide struggling for environmental justice and a safe, sustainable future.
The mobilization will include honouring of traditional welcoming protocols, large marine wildlife puppets, roaming bank actions, evening programs, info workshops, communal camping and dinners, ceremony, a rally aboard BC Ferries and nightly entertainment.
Route details and maps will be posted shortly. Allies are encouraged to make the entire journey or to join for any portion of the walk they can. Participants are welcome to walk, run, bike, roller-blade, skateboard, paddle or use wheelchairs – any human-powered, ecologically sound mode of transportation is welcome.
Through-walkers, going overnight for any portion of the trip are welcome to have their belongings carried on our support vehicle and will not have to worry about carrying gear.
Partner organizations and community groups not along our route are also encouraged to mobilize independently from any point of origin, to join in the Walk and/or meet us at ground zero – the Kinder Morgan Terminal – on May 28th, for the mass convergence.
This event is organized by 100% volunteer-activist labour as part of the Walk 4 the Salish Sea! endorsed by the following organizations including: Social Environmental Alliance ( SEA) Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC)- Coast Protectors, Pull Together ( Raven Trust, Sierra Club BC, Force of Nature Alliance) Burnaby Residents Opposed to Kinder Morgan Expansion (BROKE) Greenpeace (Victoria volunteer group), Leap-Victoria, Victoria Council of Canadians, Turning the Tide, KAIROS, BC/Yukon chapter, KAIROS Metro Vancouver chapter, Wilderness Committee, Greenpeace Canada, North Shore No Pipeline Expansion (NSNOPE), Non-violence International Canada, Climate Convergence Vancouver, Georgia Strait Alliance, Quaker Indigenous Rights Committee of the Canadian Friends Service Committee (QIRC-CFSC), Mining Justice Committee, Community Action Bus.
FUNDRAISING
A major objective of the walk is to generate public awareness and direct financial support for Indigenous-led initiates to stop construction of the Kinder Morgan TMX. Proceeds from fundraising will go to UBCIC Coast Protectors and Frontline Indigenous Resistance Initiatives to resist the Kinder Morgan Expansion.
WALK DONATIONS:
Donations to help cover Walk expensies for food, lodging, support vehicles, first aid, gifts/honorariums, art supplies, port-a-potties, sound equipment, insurance etc. can be made directly by interac etrsansfer to walk4salishsea@gmail.com. With thanks!
REGISTRATION
Registration for those who who need overnight lodging or billeting or would like to partake in communal dinners, can now sign up for the Walk on our website at walk4salish sea.ca
PULLING TOGETHER for Indigenous Rights!
Participants are also encouraged to contribute to the Pull Together campaign to support the Coldwater and Tsleil-waututh legal challenges to the Kinder Morgan pipeline/tanker expansion, and to seek online sponsorship for your walk (run, ride etc.) from friends, colleagues, comrades, and family. All you need to do is get on the Pull Together site:
https://fundraise.raventrust.com/campaign/pull-together-against-kinder-morgan/c111605
1. Click Become a Fundraiser
2. Click AS an individual
3. Build your individual profile
4. Click Join a Team
5. Join the Walk 4 the Salish Sea Team
6. Make your donation and recruit family and friends to make donations in support of your efforts.
Donations are tax-deductible, 100% secure and will be matched dollar-for dollar by an anonymous donor.
Together, employing every tool at our disposal, we can defeat this pipeline, protect the Salish Sea, turn the tide on fossil fuels and support a big victory for indigenous rights and climate justice!
ROUTE and PROGRAM INFORMATION ( in progress)
People of all ages and abilities, are welcomed to join The Walk 4 the Salish Sea! for whatever duration and distance best matches your fitness level and plans for the weekend of Thursday May 25-28th.
This mass mobilization against tar sands and Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion for decarbonzation and decolonization and an urgently needed transition from dangerous fossil fuel dependency begins at Mile “0” at the beginning of the Trans Canada Highway in Victoria to the Kinder Morgan terminal in Burnaby.
Route itinerary and program ( further details tba)
NOTE: All times approximate. Walk may travel swifter or slower due to numbers, traffic and weather.
Day 1 Thursday May 25th
Mile “0” (Lekwungen territory) to Island View Beach, up the Lochside trail ( access Ardesier St, off Douglas).
Walking distance: 23 km, ~6 hours.
7:45 am – Registered participants check-in, load support vehicle
8 am – Circle and Traditional welcome and blessing from beloved Lekwungen Elder Joan Morris
9 am – Drummers escort Walkers and Orcas Sounding through downtwon, up Government St, to Douglas, to Ardesier to the Galloping Goose, heading northbound.
12:40 pm – Walk arrives at Lochside Park for lunch
3:30 pm – Walk arrives at Island View Beach ( W̱SÁNEĆ territory)
7 pm – Tsawout First Nations Gathering Strength gymnasium, 7728 Tetayut Rd, Saanichton, Standing with First Nations Against Kinder Morgan: Dinner and fundraiser for Coast Protectors and Pull Together campaign for Coldwater and Tslei-waututh First Nations fighting Kinder Morgan in court. Speakers include: Tsawout Elders Belinda Claxton and Mavis Underwood, Elizabeth May, Tsartlip Chief Don Tom, Adam Olsen, Caitlyn Vernon, former Douglas Treaty co-ordinator Eric Pelkey Tsartlip carver Charles Elliot, Alicia Cormier. Performances by: Phil Vernon, Bill Henderson, Luke Wallace. and Willy Thomas Pow Wow Singers. See the facebook event page here.
Day 2 Friday May 26th
Island View Beach to Ladner United Church (Tsawassen First Nations Territory).
Walking Distance: 30 km, ~7.5 hours.
7 am – Morning circle and breakfast
8 am – Noon, Walk to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal
1 pm – Ferry departs for Tswawassen
1:30 am – Oil-Free Salish Sea rally aboard BC Ferries including Sisters of Mercy Choir, Raging Grannies, Luke Wallace and speakers
2:45- 5:45 pm – Walk to Ladner, staying at Ladner United Church
-Dinner, talking circle and sleep
Day 3 Saturday May 27th
Ladner- East Van (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm /Musqeaum and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) First Nations Territory).
Walking Distance: 18km, ~5 .5 hours.
7 am – Morning Circle and Breakfast.
8 am – Walk to Ladner Exchange- take bus through Massey Tunnel.
Cross Knight St. Bridge, up Victoria.
12:20-1:20 – Lunch at John Hendry Park in East Van.
3 pm -Arrive at Grandview Cavalry Baptist Church.
Day 4 Sunday May 28th:
RSVP & share on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1842294959356318/
REMEMBER TO PACK A LUNCH and WATER!
Grandview Park to Kinder Morgan Westridge Terminal, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqeaum First Nations territory.
Walking Distance: 10 km, ~4 hours.
9 am – Meet Grandview Park (1657 Charles St, @ Commercial, Vancouver) Ceremony, drumming, short speeches, welcoming of Walkers. Music by Solidarity Notes Choir & others. Large performance art piece by the 100-200 member group: Orca Soundings, highlighting the endangered southern resident orcas.
9:30 am – Walk leaves along E. Hastings to Kinder Morgan Westridge Terminal -səlil̓wətaʔɬ /Tsleil-Waututh and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm /Musqeaum First Nations territory.
Join spots:
11:30am – East Hastings St. @ Ingleton Ave. (3802 Hastings St, Burnaby)
12:45pm – East Hastings St. @ Holdom Ave, Burnaby (Capitol Hill Elementary School, 5697-5801 Hastings St, Burnaby)
1:30pm: Westridge Park (320 Cliff Ave, Burnaby)
1:30 – 2:30 pm – The Walk will proceed to the gates of the Kinder Morgan Westridge Marine Terminal for drumming, decoration of the gates and symbolic blockade
2:30 – 5 pm – FOSSIL FUEL FREEDOM FEST: Celebrate Resistance!! Westridge Park (320 Cliff Ave, Burnaby)
Includes infotables, music/dancing, kid’s activities, Indigenous rights, climate justice, Kinder Morgan pipeline and mass non-violent direct action teach-in. Volunteers needed! Please email: walk4ssvolunteer@gmail.com
Speakers / Music to include:
– co-MC’s: Audrey Siegl & Stephen Collis
– Coast Salish welcome – Cedar George-Parker, Tsleil-Waututh FN
– Grand Chief Stewart & Joan Phillip, UBCIC
– Slam Poets
– Brandon Gabriel & Kachina Bige, Kwantlan First Nation
– Music by Luke Wallace, Emily Kelsall, Buckman Coe, The Racket & other awesome people!
– Kanahus Manuel, Secwepemc First Nation
– Chief Lee Spahan, Coldwater FN
– Elizabeth May MP Saanich-Gulf Islands
– Briony Penn (Orca Soundings)
– Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan
– Kennedy Stewart MP-Burnaby South
CORE MESSAGES
1) Respect for Indigenous laws and rights:
Without free, prior, and informed consent, government approval for pipeline/tanker expansion is a violation of the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, section 35 of the Canadian constitution on Aboriginal Rights and Title, Douglas Treaty rights and principles of Indigenous laws that require indigenous leaders to be ecological stewards of their lands. Consent means the ability to say “no”. We stand against any development which does not have the consent of the sovereign indigenous nations on whose territory it occurs.
2) Climate leaders don’t expand fossil fuel infrastructure:
It makes no sense to fight climate change while increasing infrastructure for some of the planet’s dirtiest oil! We call on the federal and provincial governments to abandon fossil fuel expansion and immediately invest in clean energy infrastructure and job creation that curbs greenhouse gas emissions, not increases them.
3) Water is life:
The risks to rivers, salmon habitat, drinking watersheds, the coast, surrounding communities and local economies from inevitable spills are not acceptable A massive bitumen spill in the Salish sea or anywhere en route, traversing thousands of salmon and orca supporting habitats from Alberta to the coast of BC, cannot be cleaned up, ever!
4) Leave it in the Ground
Indigenous communities downstream from Alberta’s tar sands have been suffering from the impacts of contaminated water, loss of traditional livelihood, hunting and fishing territory and higher than average cancer rates and lower life expectancy, than elsewhere in Canada. The movement for climate justice and opposition to pipelines must include the call to stop all new tar sands and fossil fuel infrastructure at the source.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This event will be taking place on the territories of the Lekwungen (Songhees and Xwsepsum/Esquimalt), W̱SÁNEĆ, səlil̓wətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Coast and Straits Salish Nations.
We respectfully recognize that Indigenous resistance to the Kinder Morgan pipeline/tanker expansion is one manifestation of Indigenous resistance to colonization that has been happening since first contact and continues today.
For more information call : 778-265-3564
Route details and maps will be posted shortly. Allies are encouraged to make the entire journey or to join for any portion of the walk they can. Participants are welcome to walk, run, bike, roller-blade, skateboard, paddle or use wheelchairs – any human-powered, ecologically sound mode of transportation is welcome.
Through-walkers, going overnight for any portion of the trip are welcome to have their belongings carried on our support vehicle and will not have to worry about carrying gear.
Partner organizations and community groups not along our route are also encouraged to mobilize independently from any point of origin, to join in the Walk and/or meet us at ground zero – the Kinder Morgan Terminal – on May 28th, for the mass convergence.
This event is organized by 100% volunteer-activist labour as part of the Walk 4 the Salish Sea! endorsed by the following organizations including: Social Environmental Alliance ( SEA) Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC)- Coast Protectors, Pull Together ( Raven Trust, Sierra Club BC, Force of Nature Alliance) Burnaby Residents Opposed to Kinder Morgan Expansion (BROKE) Greenpeace (Victoria volunteer group), Leap-Victoria, Victoria Council of Canadians, Turning the Tide, KAIROS, BC/Yukon chapter, KAIROS Metro Vancouver chapter, Wilderness Committee, Greenpeace Canada, North Shore No Pipeline Expansion (NSNOPE), Non-violence International Canada, Climate Convergence Vancouver, Georgia Strait Alliance, Quaker Indigenous Rights Committee of the Canadian Friends Service Committee (QIRC-CFSC), Mining Justice Committee, Community Action Bus.
FUNDRAISING
A major objective of the walk is to generate public awareness and direct financial support for Indigenous-led initiates to stop construction of the Kinder Morgan TMX. Proceeds from fundraising will go to UBCIC Coast Protectors and Frontline Indigenous Resistance Initiatives to resist the Kinder Morgan Expansion.
WALK DONATIONS:
Donations to help cover Walk expensies for food, lodging, support vehicles, first aid, gifts/honorariums, art supplies, port-a-potties, sound equipment, insurance etc. can be made directly by interac etrsansfer to walk4salishsea@gmail.com. With thanks!
REGISTRATION
Registration for those who who need overnight lodging or billeting or would like to partake in communal dinners, can now sign up for the Walk on our website at walk4salish sea.ca
PULLING TOGETHER for Indigenous Rights!
Participants are also encouraged to contribute to the Pull Together campaign to support the Coldwater and Tsleil-waututh legal challenges to the Kinder Morgan pipeline/tanker expansion, and to seek online sponsorship for your walk (run, ride etc.) from friends, colleagues, comrades, and family. All you need to do is get on the Pull Together site:
https://fundraise.raventrust.com/campaign/pull-together-against-kinder-morgan/c111605
1. Click Become a Fundraiser
2. Click AS an individual
3. Build your individual profile
4. Click Join a Team
5. Join the Walk 4 the Salish Sea Team
6. Make your donation and recruit family and friends to make donations in support of your efforts.
Donations are tax-deductible, 100% secure and will be matched dollar-for dollar by an anonymous donor.
Together, employing every tool at our disposal, we can defeat this pipeline, protect the Salish Sea, turn the tide on fossil fuels and support a big victory for indigenous rights and climate justice!
ROUTE and PROGRAM INFORMATION ( in progress)
People of all ages and abilities, are welcomed to join The Walk 4 the Salish Sea! for whatever duration and distance best matches your fitness level and plans for the weekend of Thursday May 25-28th.
This mass mobilization against tar sands and Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion for decarbonzation and decolonization and an urgently needed transition from dangerous fossil fuel dependency begins at Mile “0” at the beginning of the Trans Canada Highway in Victoria to the Kinder Morgan terminal in Burnaby.
Route itinerary and program ( further details tba)
NOTE: All times approximate. Walk may travel swifter or slower due to numbers, traffic and weather.
Day 1 Thursday May 25th
Mile “0” (Lekwungen territory) to Island View Beach, up the Lochside trail ( access Ardesier St, off Douglas).
Walking distance: 23 km, ~6 hours.
7:45 am – Registered participants check-in, load support vehicle
8 am – Circle and Traditional welcome and blessing from beloved Lekwungen Elder Joan Morris
9 am – Drummers escort Walkers and Orcas Sounding through downtwon, up Government St, to Douglas, to Ardesier to the Galloping Goose, heading northbound.
12:40 pm – Walk arrives at Lochside Park for lunch
3:30 pm – Walk arrives at Island View Beach ( W̱SÁNEĆ territory)
7 pm – Tsawout First Nations Gathering Strength gymnasium, 7728 Tetayut Rd, Saanichton, Standing with First Nations Against Kinder Morgan: Dinner and fundraiser for Coast Protectors and Pull Together campaign for Coldwater and Tslei-waututh First Nations fighting Kinder Morgan in court. Speakers include: Tsawout Elders Belinda Claxton and Mavis Underwood, Elizabeth May, Tsartlip Chief Don Tom, Adam Olsen, Caitlyn Vernon, former Douglas Treaty co-ordinator Eric Pelkey Tsartlip carver Charles Elliot, Alicia Cormier. Performances by: Phil Vernon, Bill Henderson, Luke Wallace. and Willy Thomas Pow Wow Singers. See the facebook event page here.
Day 2 Friday May 26th
Island View Beach to Ladner United Church (Tsawassen First Nations Territory).
Walking Distance: 30 km, ~7.5 hours.
7 am – Morning circle and breakfast
8 am – Noon, Walk to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal
1 pm – Ferry departs for Tswawassen
1:30 am – Oil-Free Salish Sea rally aboard BC Ferries including Sisters of Mercy Choir, Raging Grannies, Luke Wallace and speakers
2:45- 5:45 pm – Walk to Ladner, staying at Ladner United Church
-Dinner, talking circle and sleep
Day 3 Saturday May 27th
Ladner- East Van (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm /Musqeaum and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) First Nations Territory).
Walking Distance: 18km, ~5 .5 hours.
7 am – Morning Circle and Breakfast.
8 am – Walk to Ladner Exchange- take bus through Massey Tunnel.
Cross Knight St. Bridge, up Victoria.
12:20-1:20 – Lunch at John Hendry Park in East Van.
3 pm -Arrive at Grandview Cavalry Baptist Church.
Day 4 Sunday May 28th:
RSVP & share on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1842294959356318/
REMEMBER TO PACK A LUNCH and WATER!
Grandview Park to Kinder Morgan Westridge Terminal, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqeaum First Nations territory.
Walking Distance: 10 km, ~4 hours.
9 am – Meet Grandview Park (1657 Charles St, @ Commercial, Vancouver) Ceremony, drumming, short speeches, welcoming of Walkers. Music by Solidarity Notes Choir & others. Large performance art piece by the 100-200 member group: Orca Soundings, highlighting the endangered southern resident orcas.
9:30 am – Walk leaves along E. Hastings to Kinder Morgan Westridge Terminal -səlil̓wətaʔɬ /Tsleil-Waututh and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm /Musqeaum First Nations territory.
Join spots:
11:30am – East Hastings St. @ Ingleton Ave. (3802 Hastings St, Burnaby)
12:45pm – East Hastings St. @ Holdom Ave, Burnaby (Capitol Hill Elementary School, 5697-5801 Hastings St, Burnaby)
1:30pm: Westridge Park (320 Cliff Ave, Burnaby)
1:30 – 2:30 pm – The Walk will proceed to the gates of the Kinder Morgan Westridge Marine Terminal for drumming, decoration of the gates and symbolic blockade
2:30 – 5 pm – FOSSIL FUEL FREEDOM FEST: Celebrate Resistance!! Westridge Park (320 Cliff Ave, Burnaby)
Includes infotables, music/dancing, kid’s activities, Indigenous rights, climate justice, Kinder Morgan pipeline and mass non-violent direct action teach-in. Volunteers needed! Please email: walk4ssvolunteer@gmail.com
Speakers / Music to include:
– co-MC’s: Audrey Siegl & Stephen Collis
– Coast Salish welcome – Cedar George-Parker, Tsleil-Waututh FN
– Grand Chief Stewart & Joan Phillip, UBCIC
– Slam Poets
– Brandon Gabriel & Kachina Bige, Kwantlan First Nation
– Music by Luke Wallace, Emily Kelsall, Buckman Coe, The Racket & other awesome people!
– Kanahus Manuel, Secwepemc First Nation
– Chief Lee Spahan, Coldwater FN
– Elizabeth May MP Saanich-Gulf Islands
– Briony Penn (Orca Soundings)
– Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan
– Kennedy Stewart MP-Burnaby South
CORE MESSAGES
1) Respect for Indigenous laws and rights:
Without free, prior, and informed consent, government approval for pipeline/tanker expansion is a violation of the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, section 35 of the Canadian constitution on Aboriginal Rights and Title, Douglas Treaty rights and principles of Indigenous laws that require indigenous leaders to be ecological stewards of their lands. Consent means the ability to say “no”. We stand against any development which does not have the consent of the sovereign indigenous nations on whose territory it occurs.
2) Climate leaders don’t expand fossil fuel infrastructure:
It makes no sense to fight climate change while increasing infrastructure for some of the planet’s dirtiest oil! We call on the federal and provincial governments to abandon fossil fuel expansion and immediately invest in clean energy infrastructure and job creation that curbs greenhouse gas emissions, not increases them.
3) Water is life:
The risks to rivers, salmon habitat, drinking watersheds, the coast, surrounding communities and local economies from inevitable spills are not acceptable A massive bitumen spill in the Salish sea or anywhere en route, traversing thousands of salmon and orca supporting habitats from Alberta to the coast of BC, cannot be cleaned up, ever!
4) Leave it in the Ground
Indigenous communities downstream from Alberta’s tar sands have been suffering from the impacts of contaminated water, loss of traditional livelihood, hunting and fishing territory and higher than average cancer rates and lower life expectancy, than elsewhere in Canada. The movement for climate justice and opposition to pipelines must include the call to stop all new tar sands and fossil fuel infrastructure at the source.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This event will be taking place on the territories of the Lekwungen (Songhees and Xwsepsum/Esquimalt), W̱SÁNEĆ, səlil̓wətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Coast and Straits Salish Nations.
We respectfully recognize that Indigenous resistance to the Kinder Morgan pipeline/tanker expansion is one manifestation of Indigenous resistance to colonization that has been happening since first contact and continues today.
For more information call : 778-265-3564
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