Thoughts and images from Defend Our Coast actions across BC
Sarah Allan – Burnaby-Deer Lake – October 24, 2012
The ‘Defend Our Coast’ action ouside of Burnaby – Deer Lake MLA Kathy Corrigan’s office was made up of about 15 or 20 people when we first arrived at noon. It was mostly middle-aged and older people, many on on their lunch break, coming out to support the cause despite the rain. Energized by a few great signs, a skilled drummer and a pump up talk by Kathy Corrigan, we all managed to meet, greet and spread some positivity in opposition to tar sands, pipelines and increased tanker traffic on our beautiful BC coast. It was interesting for me to see what an action such as this looks and feels like outside the downtown core, and outside my highly activist Downtown Eastside neighbourhood. It was smaller in scale, and passersby were definitely much less knowledgeable about the issues, giving us confused or curious glances, but not appearing to care too much about the issue. However, the feeling at this action was the same as at any other demonstration. There was a sense of solidarity and a shared concern for the future of our beautiful coast, and of our country, that left me feeling energized by the enthusiasm of others and calmed by the sense that I’m not alone in my beliefs. A small success in a big fight!
Defend Our Coast Burnaby-Deer Lake with MLA Kathy Corrigan
No Tankers – No Pipelines – No Tar Sands (No Harper)
Our Coast Is Not For Sale!
Burnaby – Deer Lake Defends Our Coast!
Davis Bay, Sunshine Coast – October 24, 2012
On the Sunshine Coast, in tiny Davis Bay, a beautiful stretch of beach just before Sechelt, approximately 450 people came out Defend Our Coast, including residents of the Coast, students and children, and members of the Sechelt First Nation. An amazing turnout for an area with a population under 10,000 but not surprising considering how close to the ocean they live, and how directly the impacts of pollution and development are felt. (Proud to have my family represented there!) Photos by Kelly Allan
Defend Our Coast – Davis Bay, Sunshine Coast
These signs showed how large a real tanker is along the Sunshine Coast Highway
Elliot Heintzman – 1st & Commercial, Vancouver – October 24, 2012
After some misdirection, I found our friends located not at the Britannia Center, but on 1st at Commercial, hoisting homemade signs into the sights of passing traffic, both pedestrian and automotive. There was a good turn out, mostly made up of 20 and 30 somethings, plus lots of young families and the odd seen-everything elderly man or woman. By the time I had to get back to work, there were close to 50 or 60 people lining the street…I am no activist that’s for sure. I am a dude who loves camping, surfing and everything our land offers, and even if this turnout were just a mere mutual feeling shared between concerned humans, I’d say it were a success.
Defend Our Coast – 1st & Commercial
Vanessa Andrews – Victoria, BC Legislature – October 22, 2012
I personally believe people aren’t able to voice their opinion or participate in change due to ignorance, fear or laziness. Traits which I fall victim too constantly (so absolutely no judgment.) What I’ve experienced today, among many other times I’ve been to rallies and discussions is a great sense of community and support. Being able to listen one another and respect one an others opinions and educate one another are CRITICAL to positive change. The biggest set back we can possess as individuals is believing our voice isn’t important and won’t be heard.
Defend Our Coast – Victoria
Defend Our Coast – Victoria
GxSx - Victoria BC Legislature – October 22, 2012
I was at the ‘Defend Our Coast’ protest all day and although it was rainy, spirits and especially voices were not dampened in the slightest. Elizabeth May gave a moving speech as did many First Nations leaders. It was an overwhelming message of unity and there was no negative sentiment other than towards the imminent threat of a pipeline. I had the honour of performing at the event with my band Rocky Mountain Rebel Music as the closer. With frozen fingers, we played for the few people left and did our best to maintain the integrity of the event and keep the message strong. What was once a crowd of 3500+ was now about 100+ but they were as lively as 3500 strong. Fueled by our mutual purpose to eliminate the threat of tankers or a pipeline on our coast, we played in front of the BC Legislature building (closed that day) and delivered the message loud and clear that we would not tolerate selling out our environment.
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