Sunshine, Thunder, and Rainbows
September 20, 2024
Jackie Williams
What a powerful day.
I'd like to express my gratitude to everyone that could join us as a witness on Saturday as we called to cancel the permits for Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC's fracked gas pipeline.
In Coast Salish culture, witnesses are called for events of historical significance. These witnesses are keepers of history, and share the story of what they witness with their families and communities when they return home. This was our form of a living newspaper.
Even if you weren't called up to speak, you are all witnesses and hold the responsibility of sharing this story with your families and communities.
Please share the powerful and inspiring stories of the Indigenous Land Defenders from Chief Na’Moks, Wet’suwet’en Nation Hereditary Chief of the Tsayu (Beaver Clan), who marched with us as a witness.
Share how a single clap of thunder answered after Swaysɘn Will George of Tsleil-Waututh Nation spoke and banged his paddles on his canoe.
Share how my granddaughter, Isabella Rose Williams Xaliya, danced with rainbows while my daughter, Sewainchelwat Jaime Williams, sang the Chief Jimmy Jimmy song.
Share the stories from Gwii Lok’im Gibuu Jesse Stoeppler, member of Wet’suwet’en and Gitksan Nations; and Janelle Lapointe from Stellat’en First Nation, who shared how fracking, pipelines, and mancamps are harming communities in northern BC.
Share how fracking and LNG exports are harming human health which we learned from Dr Larry Barzelai from the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. And share the stories of other respected witnesses Councillor Lauren Greenlaw, and BC Green candidate Jeremy Valeriote.
We are honoured.
Here are some initial photos from the day. Please like, share, and comment to help amplify this story. Ask your candidates to #CancelthePermits for Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC.
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | BlueSky
LISTEN TO THE STORIES FROM LAND DEFENDERS: Instagram
READ THE ARTICLE: Squamish Chief
*******
Public hearing for FortisBC's workcamp
The public hearing for FortisBC's workcamp is happening next Wednesday, September 25 at 6pm at Brennan Park Recreation Centre in Squamish.
I'm really worried about the impacts of this workcamp on my community, and in particular on women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people who are most vulnerable.
There are three ways you can take action:
1. Use this template to send a personalized letter to council before 12pm, Tuesday September 24, 2024. Or email council directly: hearing@squamish.ca
2. Hold a sign at the public hearing on Wednesday September 25, 2024 (no preparation necessary). RSVP HERE!
3. Sign up to speak at the public hearing on Wednesday September 25, 2024. IMPORTANT! Email phspeakerslist@squamish.ca now to sign up to the Speaker's List early.
*******
Thank you for standing up and speaking up.
Chen kwen mantumi,
Tiaoutenaat Jackie Williams
Squamish Nation Elder
My Sea to Sky is incredibly proud and grateful to say that we rely on the My Sea to Sky community for small donations that provide the majority of our funding. Since our launch in 2014, we have been funded through personal savings, family and friends; and powered by the passion of our volunteers. Your generous contribution will help us to run our critical campaigns to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. Can you chip in?