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"Acts of civil disobedience have a tried and true history of propelling societies towards change. NUPGE stands behind the protestors in the call to halt this mega pipeline," said James Clancy, National President, National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).
Ottawa (26 Sept. 2011) - Hundreds of people from across Canada will gather in Ottawa on Sept. 26 to participate in a historic civil disobedience action to say no to the tar sands and yes to a green energy future that respects Indigenous rights along with the health of the environment and communities.
"Enbridge is trying to ram its tar sands pipeline right through our territories, and the lands of many other First Nations. We have used our laws to forbid these pipelines in our lands. We will use every means available to us under Indigenous, Canadian and International law to enforce our decision and stop the Enbridge pipeline. If we take care of the land and water, it will take care of us. If we ruin our water with oil spills, and once the tar sands kill the waters of our brother and sister nations, our people will be finished," said Chief Jackie Thomas of Saik’uz First Nation, a member of the Yinka Dene Alliance.
Over 200 people have signed up to participate in the No Tar Sands action on Parliament Hill. Many people will risk arrest to convey a message to Prime Minister Harper about the urgency with which we need to act to address a growing climate crisis and the devastating impacts associated with tar sands development.
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is just one of many organizations endorsing the action. "Acts of civil disobedience have a tried and true history of propelling societies towards change. NUPGE stands behind the protestors in the call to halt this mega pipeline," said James Clancy, NUPGE National President.
In addition, the Assembly of First Nations, the Dene Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First National, Yinka Dene Alliance, We'suwet'en Nation, Unis'tot'en Nations, Rosebud Sioux Tribe and the Yankton Sioux Tribe all endorsed the Ottawa action. Many Canadian celebrities and activists are also lending their support to the action.
More information:
Message to Harper from Nobel Peace Laureates
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The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE