Joe Pierre moderated the event along with Don Sand. A new message of support from Scott Neidermayer was read aloud. Speakers included Jim Whitehead, Chris Luke, Norma Blissett NDP Candidate for Kootenay East, Gerry Wilkie, Director with RDEK, Michelle Mungal, NDP MLA for Nelson Creston, Gwen Phillips, Bob Campsall. Jumbo Creek Conservation Society, and John Bergenske from Wildsight.
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Norma Blissett NDP candidate for Kootenay East thanked the Ktunaxa for their invitation to attend and for their stand against Jumbo. She said, "I would also like to send a message - the New Democratic Party of
British Columbia supports your efforts and will stand beside you in this fight. Why, because the majority of people who we are elected to
represent, are opposed to this
development. As elected officials we
must listen to and respect our constituents."
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| RDEK Director Gerry Wilkie spoke of the 20 year fight against this project. |
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| Gwen Phillips spoke and also led those present in a chorus of opposition. |
Between the list of speakers Jon Bisset, Doug Mitchell and Mike Guarnery led those gathered in songs written in support of keeping Jumbo Wild.
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At the same time this rally was held in Cranbrook papers for the judicial review were filed in Victoria.
This video is of a previous rally in Victoria. A chorus of 'We will Not Back Down, ' rang across Rotary Park on Friday.
A few concerns or observations.
ReplyDeleteWhy was the rally held in Cranbrook as opposed to Invermere?
Why is it that the Ktunaxa cares or voices their opinion now as opposed to 10 years ago?
Does Wildsight recieve funding from the Ktunaxa? Or Vice Versa?
The rally was held in Cranbrook because that's where the Ktunaxa government building is...and probably a lot of other reasons I an not currently aware of. Also, it's a good gathering place for people from the East and West Kootenays. It's good middle ground.
ReplyDeleteKtunaxa First Nation have been an active voice in preserving Qat'Muk/Jumbo since nearly the beginning. There has never been a moment where they have not strong voices in the opposition of the development.
Whether Wildsight is in partnership with Ktunaxa First Nation isn't relevant.To directly quote their website "Wildsight works locally, regionally and globally to protect biodiversity and encourage sustainable communities in Canada's Columbia and southern Rocky Mountain region." This statement should make it fairly obvious why Wildsight opposes Jumbo as well. You don't have to be First Nations or have fund an organization to stand side by side and fight for the environment and democracy.