Fifteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

Watersheds and biodiversity in “Brutish Columbia” are world treasures that are under attack from a new mega dam (Site C), fracking (LNG), and pipeline expansion. Recently, the United Nations’ Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination asked Canada to suspend dam construction because it violates Indigenous rights and international law. As people living in the unceded Coast Salish lands also known as Vancouver, we have been actively working to honour and respect the Peace River and the Wedzin Kwa (Morice River) up north. As part of a grassroots group called Fight C, we have been holding regular actions to uphold the spirit of the Peace River and to speak up against the dam. We will share some of our activities over the year and welcome connections with more watersheds. Participants are invited to share their stories, listen, and make river flags to send up to the Peace River and the Wedzin Kwa if they like.