Joe David, Gizele Maria Martin, John Tutube, Brenda Wood, Grizzly Waves, Deanna Lankin, Kerry Jonathan Harwood, Chloé Gravel, Luc Kerley, and Toby Theriault are amongst the many across Vancouver Island standing for old growth forests.
Friends of Clayoquot Sound organized a rally to build and hold space in solidarity with forest defenders across Vancouver Island and around the world. To date, 1,188 Rainforest Flying Squad forest defenders have been arrested at the Fairy Creek Blockade protecting the oldest trees that regulate the planet’s climate and protect all life from an intensifying climate crisis. The arrests at Fairy Creek have surpassed the arrest numbers from the 1993 Clayoquot Blockades.
Only 2.7% of big tree old growth forests are still surviving in B.C. And if nothing changes, they’ll be gone forever within the next decade. 90% of British Columbians want to see an end to old growth logging. Now, climate action also demands that the BCNDP commit to more than just “Talk and Log” policies. The BCNDP needs to implement an immediate moratorium on old growth logging and create a just transition to a sustainable second growth industry, including conservation financing and economic alternatives for First Nations.
Clayoquot Sound sustains a strong legacy and community of forest defenders, and hundreds turned out participated in the solidarity rally to share stories and ideas on how we can protect old growth forests now and into the future. Thanks to all the speakers, performers, and participants.
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This and many more articles can also be found in the FOCS Winter 2021-2022 Newsletter. Please click THIS LINK to explore more of our work and learn how you can help protect Clayoquot Sound.
