Thanks to the RAVEN community, we have a lot to celebrate about 2022!
Despite difficult times — wedged between a pandemic and global inflation — we raised over ONE MILLION DOLLARS for Indigenous justice in 2022!
Here are some highlights.
Beaver Lake Cree Nation: BLCN celebrated a major victory after the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that a First Nation may properly be considered impecunious — or without funds — when its pressing needs, understood through the First Nation’s perspective, leave it unable to fund public interest litigation. This meant BLCN could re-apply for an Advance Cost Order in Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench with a likelihood of getting funding for its game-changing challenge to the tar sands industries. The ruling is a positive precedent for all Nations in Canada.
Neskantaga: Thanks to the profound and growing awareness around Neskantaga’s legal action [and donors like you], RAVEN achieved our 2022 fundraising goal for the Neskantaga campaign aimed at stopping destructive mining in Ontario’s Ring of Fire. We have a long way to go, and will need to keep the pressure on as Neskantaga readies itself for a court hearing July 13 and 14, 2023.
Heiltsuk: The Heiltsuk community has been enacting Indigenous law (gv’ilas) to restore ecosystems after the Nathan E. Stewart oil spill in 2016. Heiltsuk Nation continues to show uncompromising leadership in protecting the lands and waters of the Great Bear Rainforest, conducting crucial environmental impact studies to be used in court.
Gitxaala: In the first full year of its legal challenge, Gitxaala Nation led intervenors and allied Nations in a powerful coalition to completely overhaul B.C.’s outdated and unjust Mineral Tenure Act. Help us continue to support Gitxaala as they head to court in April 2023.
Secwepemc: Together with six Indigenous youth, we wrote, shot, and are currently editing a documentary film to shine a light on the revitalization of law inherent in Secwepmec’s title challenge. Expect the film, titled “The Sky and the Land Will Turn”, to play near you in 2023.
In the past decade, RAVEN-supported cases have been cited in judicial decisions more than 250 times. We are so humbled to continue supporting Nations in accessing justice.
We’re extending our deepest gratitude to all our supporters, donors, and partners who made 2022 such a success!
With heartfelt thanks,
