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Indigenous Peoples' legal defence fund to protect their constitutional rights.
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Who are we?
RAVEN is a non-profit charitable organization that provides financial resources to assist Aboriginal Nations within Canada in lawfully forcing industrial development to be reconciled with their traditional ways of life, and in a manner that addresses global warming or other ecological sustainability challenges.
Urgent Cause
Tar Sands Trial: BLCN vs. Alberta and Canada
This challenge we face in the rights of Mother Earth and all living beings is not about our oil consumption in the lipstick and spandex we wear. It’s not about the automobiles we drive and the carbon footprint we leave... Read More
Our Vision
RAVEN’s vision is a country that honours the ancestral laws, rights and stewardship values of Indigenous Peoples and their equitable access to the justice system within a thriving natural environment.
Heiltsuk’s Historic Big House Opening is a Powerful Testament of Sovereignty and Resilience
For generations Indigenous governance was carried out carefully amid the federal ban of governance practices. Today, the voices of Heiltsuk... Read More
Rolling out the red carpet for Indigenous protectors at VIFF
October 8, 2019: On the eve of the raising of a Big House in Heiltsuk territory, the Vancouver International Film... Read More
As Heiltsuk Raises the Roof on Their Historic Big House, RAVEN Launches a Week of Action
Heiltusk are raising a Big House in the heart of their community where they can host potlatches, hold ceremonies and... Read More
Words From Our Community
“As a member of one of the Nations taking this issue to court…and as a passionate organizer with deep community roots, let me say this: Pull Together is making a difference. We know what we have to do; you are helping us to do it. We know how big this task is; you are giving us hope.”
, Elected Councilor, Heiltsuk First Nation
“RAVEN occupies a unique niche in the NGO community in Canada by creating legal defence funds for First Nations who must continuously defend their lands and livelihood from the onslaught of rampant industrial development. This small group is incredibly successful… ”
, Nobel Laureate and Founder of Nobel Women’s Initiative
“It’s not every-day that we come across an organization such as yours that would assist First Nations with such a cause as ours. Mahsi cho for all your efforts and Ravens Trust for providing fund raising and support to the Peel Land Use Planning court session. It has been an honor to work with you on this initiative.”
, Chief, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in
“This small group is incredibly successful, given their lean resources and organizational structure. We want to see them expand because it seems clear that litigation is going to be one of the key ways that we protect our planet.”
, Founder of Creatively United for the Planet
“This could be the most powerful ecological precedent ever set in a Canadian court.”
, Renowned Native Law expert speaking on the Beaver Lake Cree Case