Message from Elders for Ancient Trees

Details: Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00; Written by editor

RCMP brutality and arrests continue apace. Yesterday, they smashed a van window, dragged out the elderly woman sleeping inside then ran over her vehicle with a backhoe. Here's the result:

Victoria: Forest Friday Sep 10, 4 - 6 pm: WE Serve+Protect
RCMP Admin building, Topaz & Blanshard. Let's make the Friday action outside the RCMP HQ loud and large!!

From the Elders for Ancient Trees newsletter: The last two days have been horrendous on the front lines at Fairy Creek. Brutal RCMP and Teal Jones actions have overrun all the long-standing camps and industry is poised to start logging. Food, equipment, personal supplies are being stolen. Twenty-three people have already been arrested today.

From Elders Jan and Bill Marshall who went up yesterday:

Jan and I rushed up to Fairy Creek today to answer a call for reinforcements. We were too late: dozens of RCMP officers were able to overcome about 100 peaceful protesters and allow Teal Jones logging and road building equipment to enter.

We spent an emotional couple of hours with Elder Bill Jones, the land defenders and the forest protectors, hearing about how all the camps had been smashed by the RCMP, personal possessions taken or destroyed and discussing new tactics and next steps. We were privileged to be part of an Indigenous-led healing circle which once again moved us to consider how closely we are linked to each other, these majestic forests and nature.

RCMP brutality and arrests continue apace. Yesterday, they smashed a van window, dragged out the elderly woman sleeping inside then ran over her vehicle with a backhoe. Here's the result:

It seems that despite a general public outcry, dozens of official complaints, and Judge Thompson's ruling that RCMP tactics and exclusion zones are excessive and illegal, the RCMP answers to no one. And the ultimate tragedy---apart from watching Teal Jones trucks pull out old growth logs as fast as possible---is that RCMP barbarism is directed at peaceful Indigenous and settler protesters trying to help the government keep its promise about protecting the precious little---but precious nonetheless---old growth remaining.

Can this really be Canada? What will we tell our kids and grandkids when the forests are gone and the province is burning?

Grandfather Tree is on the chop block this week. This tree was alive for William the Conquerer taking England, Angkor Wat's completion in 1150, Genghis Khan capturing Peking in 1211, and the start of the Italian Renaissance 1325. ACT NOW HOWEVER YOU ARE ABLE. Do what you can, where you can.

Come with us to Fairy Creek

1. The Elders are leading a day convoy up to FC tomorrow, Friday.

At 8:30 AM, Friday, we will leave from the Sooke Park-and-Ride (6250 Sooke Road – near intersection of Juan de Fuca highway and Sooke River Road)
Bring cooked food and large containers of water that you are able to leave behind. Bring any tents you can let go. Large goggles (Mark’s has them) to protect from pepper spray. If able, bring a blank placard. (Jackie will bring some extra placards and pens for lettering)
Bring friends
We will stay in visual contact with cars throughout.
We will only stay for the day.
If you are participating, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with subject line Joining Convoy and give your name and phone number.

2. Take the Fairy Creek shuttle bus on Saturday.

Leaving 2121 Cedar Hill Crossroad (Emanuel Baptist Church) at 8 am.
To register contact Rachel This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The forest protectors especially need folks willing to stay overnight. If your body and spirit can handle this, please consider and make your own arrangements or go up on the Saturday bus.

In town

1. Pick up the phone today and let your strong opinions, even your rage, be known to the Premier and your MLA. Save their numbers in your phone and call everyday.

2. Join a local event. Follow Events - Last Stand for Ancient Forests on Facebook to stay up to date.

Victoria: Forest Friday Sep 10, 4 - 6 pm: WE Serve+Protect
RCMP Admin building, Topaz & Blanshard. Let's make the Friday action outside the RCMP HQ loud and large!!

Vancouver: Sunday, September 12, 1pm: SAVE OLD GROWTH Stanley Park Banner Drop
Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G, Canada DONATE TO SUPPORT THE BLOCKADES. This fundraiser directly supports legal funding for Indigenous Land Defenders and activist protectors working on the frontlines of this campaign. DONATE We are honoured to do this work as guests on traditional territory of the Pacheedaht and Ditidaht First Nations. We work with utmost respect for the land and all its relations, human and nonhuman. Please help us by forwarding this newsletter to any friends or family you feel would like to be involved or learn more. They can join our list here.

About Rainforest Flying Squad

The Rainforest Flying Squad is a volunteer-driven, grassroots, non-violent direct-action movement committed to protecting the last stands of globally significant ancient temperate rainforest on Vancouver Island. Rainforest Flying Squad and LastStandforForests work with other like-minded organizations. We stand in solidarity with Elder Bill Jones of the Pacheedaht Nation.

More information at laststandforforests.com.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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