Decolonial Solidarity affinity groups came into existence in December 2021. During an online call to action with Indigenous land defenders, we heard firsthand about ongoing struggles of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs who have been opposing construction of the Coastal GasLink pipeline on their lands.
In today’s teach-in, we will be talking about our participation in the campaign, launched by Wet’suwet’en land defenders and under their leadership, to pressure RBC to defund Coastal GasLink. We would like to stress the importance of including Indigenous perspectives and leadership in climate action, because their communities are disproportionately affected by extractive industries, and because their traditional way of life is rooted in their relationship to the land.
Speakers:
David Beddoe joined Decolonial Solidarity late in 2021, and has contributed as a volunteer in environmental, human rights, and climate justice activist organizations over many years.
Chantal Pelletier responded to a call for action in December 2021 and has been part of the Decolonial Solidarity campaign since then. She had no previous experience with activism.
Pat Taylor joined Decolonial Solidarity in June 2022. She has been active in organizing the group at RBC at Bank and First in the Glebe, publishing our weekly leafleting on social media and creating protest art that encourages people to ask questions and engage in conversation. She has been involved in Wet’suwet’en Solidarity since 2019.
Resource List
Decolonial Solidarity Webinar with Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs and Call to Action
Click here to access David Beddoe’s remarks on Decolonial Solidarity
Further Reading:
Amanda Follett Hosgood, “A Pipeline, a River and an Indigenous Nation,” The Tyee, 21 Sept. 2022
Matt Simmons, “The complicated truth about pipelines crossing Wet’suwet’en territory,” The Narwhal, 5 Oct. 2022
Ethical Banking:
Banking on Climate Chaos: Fossil Fuel Finance Report 2022
Banking on a Better Future Campaign
To-Dos:
- Research your banking institution and pressure them to engage in more responsible and ethical investment practices.
- Join the struggle with Decolonial Solidarity Ottawa-Gatineau:
- Check out the Decolonial Solidarity linktree for more information
- Kill the Drill campaign information
- Join existing efforts at an RBC bank, or start one.
- The closest RBC bank to Carleton’s campus is on Riverside Drive – would you be interested in organizing members of the Carleton community and adopting the Riverside RBC?
- Support local indigenous communities and efforts:
- Water First organization fighting for access to clean water for indigenous communities
- Aamjiwnaang Solidarity Against Chemical Valley
- Rename the Parkway, a campaign to rename the parkway that stretches along the Ottawa River between Lebreton Flats and Lincoln Fields
Upcoming Event:
Wet’suwet’en Solidarity Evening Sit Out
When: November 5th, 6:30-7:30PM
Where: 18 Rosemount Ave
In response to a call for allyship from the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs, Decolonial Solidarity is organizing mobilizing events across Canada on November 5. Our Ottawa event is taking place in the evening because we will be projecting images for people to witness what’s happening in Wet’suwet’en territory. There will be music and hot cider. Dress warmly and bring friends!
Solidarité décoloniale organise des événements de mobiiisation partout au Canada le 5 novembre, en réponse à un appel aux alliés lancé par les chefs héréditaires Wet’suwet’en.
L’ événement à Ottawa se passera en soirée, puisque nous projetterons des images pour que les gens puissent être témoin de ce qui se passe en territoire Wet’suwet’en. Il y aura de la musique et du cidre chaud. Habillez-vous chaudement et emmenez des amis!