“It’s an important conversation to have,” explains Christine Lukasavich, one of the organizers of the Wet’suwet’en solidarity fundraiser. She says other indigenous and non-indigenous people in the community came together to bring the ideas of holding a fundraiser to life.
“Any money raised will go directly into their legal fund,” she adds. She explains there are mounting legal fees from them protecting unseeded territory.
She says to be able to provide a place that allows for conversation and education is important. “Also to offer comfort to those who are worried about what the next steps are,” Lukasavich continues.
“The event will feature some traditional and contemporary indigenous songs,” she says. There will also be a presentation on solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en, children’s activities, food and drinks and films and documentaries shown about acts of solidarity done to protect indigenous land.
In late February, OPP stepped in at the rail blockade in Tyendinaga Township and arrested 10 demonstrators. Lukasavich says it was “devastating” to watch that happen. “Seeing the arrests and seeing people forced away from their own indigenous land is a huge step back,” she says. Lukasavich says she wonders how the government can say reconciliation is at the forefront when this is happening throughout the Country. “It’s really concerning,” she says.
“I do hope that people take this opportunity to have a conversation,” Lukasavich says. “It’s not an us versus them situation.”
The fundraiser is happening Sunday, March 8th from 4 PM until 7 at North Hastings Community Trust’s building at 23 Bridge Street. Entry is free and food and drinks will be provided.