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STORY about IndigenousEnvironmentpublié le Novembre 29, 2013 by Zig Zag

Mi'kmaq Solidarity Rally at UBC, Friday Nov 29, 2013

by Zig Zag

Musqueam singer outside UBC RCMP station.
Musqueam singer outside UBC RCMP station.
Chalk graffitti requesting the RCMP to "respect our right to protest."
Chalk graffitti requesting the RCMP to "respect our right to protest."
Gathering outside the UBC RCMP station.
Gathering outside the UBC RCMP station.
Marching down Westbrook Mall.
Marching down Westbrook Mall.
Marching down Westbrook Mall, towards University Boulevard.
Marching down Westbrook Mall, towards University Boulevard.
Anarchist black flags on the march.
Anarchist black flags on the march.
One of 3 RCMP vehicles that escorted the march.
One of 3 RCMP vehicles that escorted the march.
Stopping traffic at University Boulevard and Westbrook Mall.
Stopping traffic at University Boulevard and Westbrook Mall.
Another view of the circle at University and Westbrook, with blue unmarked RCMP vehicle lurking in the background.
Another view of the circle at University and Westbrook, with blue unmarked RCMP vehicle lurking in the background.
One for the conspiracy cases: an RCMP vehicle with "UN" marking, lol...
One for the conspiracy cases: an RCMP vehicle with "UN" marking, lol...

On a cold and overcast morning, approximately 50 people gathered outside the RCMP station at the University of BC in Vancouver to denounce the RCMP assaults on Mi'kmaq in New Brunswick and to stand in solidarity with the struggle against fracking.  Members of the Musqueam nation, along with UBC students and anarchists from East Vancouver, participated in the rally. 

After listening to a few speeches and songs, the rally hit the streets and marched down Westbrook Mall.  RCMP vehicles escorted the march at the front and rear, diverting traffic.  When the march reached the intersection of University Boulevard and Westbrook Mall, a large circle was made where more songs were sung.  After briefly disrupting traffic, the group made its way to MacInnes Field, where it dispersed.

Meanwhile, in New Brunswick, Mi'kmaq once again confronted SWN Canada and its private security force, the RCMP, on Highway 11, which was closed for several hours.

An emergency call out for solidarity with the Mi'kmaq anti-fracking struggle has been called for Dec 2, 2013.   For more info:  http://reclaimturtleisland.com/2013/11/29/emergency-day-of-action-solidarity-for-elsipogtog/

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