BLACK SATURDAY – Protest the pipeline and connect the dots
to climate change-
A 350.org event
By: Daniel Poisson
Photo Credit: Daniel Poisson @ Code of Creation Photo
It was a stunning day with the sun shining down, a light
breeze in the air and families and friends coming from all around to meet up in
Ganges Harbour on Saltspring Island.
May 5th, 2012 was the day when over 250 people gathered in
Centennial Park at 12:00 noon, all dressed in black, to show their solidarity
over the global climate issues and the oil pipelines. People are tired of the lack of transparency,
communication and respect our governments have been providing during the
processes of these pipeline negotiations.
These pipelines including the Kinder Morgan pipeline out of Burrard
Inlet, the Enbridge pipeline out of Kitimat and more, are proposed to transport
bitumen across British Columbia from the Alberta Tar Sands, where it will then
be loaded onto giant supertankers and shipped through British Columbia’s
pristine ocean channels and islands, all the way to China. People are against it, and they have
the right and responsibility to be.
An oil spill of the magnitude in which these supertankers carry would
decimate the coastline and literally wipe out a way of life.
There were smiles, children, elderly, hugs and positive
attitudes flowing freely. Oil
drops were face painted below the eyes to symbolize the tears of sadness that
these pipelines would cause in the event of what is an inevitable oil
spill. Protest signs were waved
about to vocalize how people feel about this important and pressing issue. Speakers voiced their
frustrations and provided facts about the projects and the damage that is
already being done to communities and Indigenous groups throughout BC. Musicians sang and played instruments
for the enjoyment of all. There
was a fifty foot long replica of an oil pipeline that was carried on peoples
shoulders as the group, complete with a live salsa band, marched through the
streets of Ganges Harbour expressing their opinions in a peaceful, creative,
collaborative way. To “connect the
dots”, which is the way 350.org is showing the relationships to climate change
and human activity, the march was ended with a giant circle of all participants
holding hands, joining together, showing strength.
Saltspring Island is a place where people care. People have
love. There is a time when people must come together for causes that will
affect or potentially destroy their way of life. May 5th, 2012 at the Black Saturday event in
Centennial Park was one such place.
GOOD WORK PEOPLE!
Ganges Harbour on Saltspring Island - May 5 2012 - NO PIPELINES!!!!!!!!!!! 350.org
Design by : ANDY EVERSON, Kwakwaka'wakw artist
SAVE OUR...everything...(absolutely lovely art kids! great work!)
Abbey....PIPELINE?!?! WTF!?
Remember, Remember
Babies, toddlers, kids, teens, adults & grandparents
The pipeline spilling through the streets
READ THEM!
