STORY about SolidarityEnvironment posted on May 2, 2014 by
Mayday celebration in Vancouver protests pipelines
A group of anti-pipeline demonstrators celebrated Mayday yesterday in downtown Vancouver.
The Beat the Pipelines event was organized to protest any and all pipeline infrastructure in B.C, but was specifically held in solidarity with the Unist’ot’en Camp. The Unist’ot’en Camp is a group of demonstrators camped along the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline route.
One of the organizers talked about how even though Mayday has historically revolved around labour struggles, it’s important to talk about environmental issues connected to labour.
“It’s presented as you’re against the pipelines or you’re for jobs, so we want to attack that idea, with an anarchist critique... What good are jobs on a dead planet,” said an organizer who wished to remain anonymous.
The group of approximately 80 demonstrators handed out information leaflets and played music at Victory Square before marching down Hastings Street. During the march there was a heavy police presence as well as at least two arrests with reports of up to four. Vancouver Police violently arrested a minor on a bicycle taking pictures. He was kneed several times in his ribs while being held face down on the pavement. His injuries are unknown.
More solidarity events with the Unist’ot’en Camp are being planned by the same demonstrators for during the summer.
The site for the Vancouver local of The Media Co-op has been archived and will no longer be updated. Please visit the main Media Co-op website to learn more about the organization.