We Draw the Line for People, Peace and the Planet

Written By Erin Blondeau

DRAW THE LINE RALLY

COWICHAN VALLEY

Duncan City Square

September 20, 4 - 6 pm


On Saturday, September 20, people in cities across Canada will gather to stand up against the wealth hoarding of Canada’s biggest corporations and politicians, the gutting of our public services and welfare state, climate collapse, growing white supremacy, exploitation of Indigenous lands, and the genocide in Palestine that is propped up by the Canadian government.

In Quw’utsun, we are gathering to protest the same. We are also standing up against:

  • Exclusionary politics. We are working hard to get the progressive votes out in an effort to keep our communities safe from dangerous and divisive rhetoric and policies.

  • Regressive moves by North Cowichan council. Several councillors deny the existence of anthropogenic climate change, vote against, and even reverse progressive climate policy, and undermine the municipality’s relationship with Cowichan Tribes in their decision to log the Six Mountains.

  • Political and physical violence directed toward Cowichan’s unhoused community members. We’re standing up against violence of any kind.

  • Political scapegoating of oppressed people in the Cowichan Valley. We refuse to allow the scapegoating of transgender people, immigrants, Indigenous peoples, disabled people, and others. 

There will be speeches, music, and information tables at the event. Various people from different organizations and community groups will be available for coalition building.

Background:

This is an international day of action, organized in part by 350.org. Groups all across the globe are coming together to draw the line for people, planet and peace. Over the last few years, with tensions accelerating this year especially, it has become clear that deep divides are being inflicted upon us from those who hold the power: politicians and billionaires who are trying to tear down the remaining foundation of communities that respect and uphold human rights and environmental justice.

“Draw The Line” Demands:

  • Put people over corporate profit

  • Refuse ongoing colonialism & uphold Indigenous sovereignty

  • Stop blaming immigrants & demand full immigration status for all

  • End the war machine

  • End the era of fossil fuels

Groups involved locally:

Revolve Cowichan

Cowichan Climate Hub

One Cowichan

Freedom From War Coalition

BCGEU

Striking Unifor Cowichan Transit Workers

Nature Cowichan

The Cowichan Land Trust

Friends of Rails to Trails

Socially Responsible Investing Cowichan

Mid-Island Council of Canadians

Quotes:

“Fascism is rising across the globe and Canada is no exception. The rise in far-right politics brings the oppression of people who don’t fit into the ideal hierarchy. We have to stand up against the ultra-wealthy and powerful who want to pit us against each other so they can continue to profit from our suffering. We have to draw the line and resist this mass manipulation and oppression.” - Erin Blondeau, Revolve Cowichan

“Your money may be working behind your back to support fossil fuel expansion projects, war machines, big tobacco and other things that don't align with your worldview.  Please visit us to learn how to make sure your money is not working for the "Dark Side".” - Socially Responsible Investing Cowichan 

“The E and N railroad has been lying dead and dormant for nearly 15 years.  We believe that this abandoned corridor could be converted to a world class walking and biking trail that would connect coastal communities, get cars off the road and bring thousands of low impact tourists and millions of dollars to First Nations and all communities that it joins.  Please visit our table to learn more.” - Friends of Rails to Trails Vancouver Island

“Holding decision makers accountable to the strong social and environmental values that join us together as a community is more important than ever. Our democracy locally is at risk. In response we can come together and work with each other to make our collective voices more powerful, our community more sustainable, and ensure no one is left behind.” - Jane Kilthei, One Cowichan

“Resisting fascism starts with united communities. Let’s work together and draw the line for ours.” - Jessica Barker, Revolve Cowichan 

“Freedom From War Coalition is participating in this broader action to highlight our democratic perspective against the Trump-Carney War Budget, the union-busting blitzkrieg against public service and American Annexation which is mightily enabled by fueling the US NATO war alliance at the expense of public health and other services.” - Freedom From War Coalition statement on Facebook

“Our 3 beautiful Cowichan Valley rivers are clearly in trouble - industrial logging and worsening drought are degrading our watersheds. Streams, soils, flows and fish, are all harmed when forests are clear cut, leading to fire risk, fish kill, and floods in winter. Forest ecosystems provide the stability, shade, water holding, and nutrients all creatures need, not to mention oxygen we breathe. By simply stopping all industrial logging in the valley, we can then start restoring our healthy region, using traditional and scientific methods. It's up to us to make all levels of government change their minds and practices to support the life of our watersheds that support us.” - Laurel Circle, naturalist

Links:

Erin Blondeau
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