We have a lot to celebrate! This year RAVEN has surpassed our every goal, in every way.

Raised 2.3 million in total for Indigenous justice and to sustain RAVEN’s work!

We experienced so much generosity, such unrelentingly fierce determination by our partner Nations, and the crackling energy of several new campaigns – with 5000+  donors by our side. This year, the RAVEN community raised over 2.3 million dollars to support Indigenous Peoples to raise their voices and protect precious land, air and water for future generations, and to sustain RAVEN’s work. In the final months of 2021, RAVEN was able to launch two new campaigns targeting irresponsible mining practices, and holding governments to account to include Indigenous Nations in decision-making processes. Knowing the legacy of stewardship, and the depth of understanding about the land and waters that Indigenous Peoples hold, what government wouldn’t want to incorporate those perspectives and priorities? We hold the vision that the courts will see it that way as well, when they hear the strong arguments from Neskantaga and Gitxaala Nations. We appreciate all the ways you enact law and stand up for Indigenous justice!

Launched our Festival Afloat concerts!

This summer RAVEN hosted a successful series of Festival Afloat concerts. These unique ‘floating concerts’ took place in Victoria, Salt Spring Island, Vancouver and Montreal. The events, which raised over $80k for Site C, Heiltsuk, and Wet’suwet’en campaigns, were organized by Caitlyn Kerr, RAVEN’s new Event Organizer & Business Outreach coordinator. 

In 2022, we’ll also be sailing the Providence tall ship through the Salish Sea to host Festival Afloat, with ports of call in Vancouver, Victoria, Cowichan, and the Gulf Islands. We hope that many more supporters around the country will grab a paddle and organize floating concerts with RAVEN. 

Launched two new campaigns!

Having just launched not one but TWO major new campaigns, our Indigenous partners, backed by the RAVEN community are taking on irresponsible mining on B.C.’s north coast (Gitxaala) and in Ontario’s James Bay lowlands (Neskantaga).

Looking Ahead to 2022….

Next year, our long-awaited Site C dam challenge goes to trial. Though the Site C dam trial only begins next year,  West Moberly First Nations was successful bringing motions to compel discovery of documents; also, the recent precedent on treaty rights set by Blueberry River First Nation makes this case so much stronger.

We expect to hear before summer whether Beaver Lake Cree Nation once again receives its Advanced Costs to help pay for the trial that is set to begin in 2024. Our community’s collective outpouring of generosity lifted Beaver Lake Cree Nation all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada this autumn. Defending their Advanced Costs order is not only an important step towards the landmark oil sands challenge, but could set a precedent to support access to justice for all Nations, everywhere in what is now called Canada.

We’ll also be gearing up to help Heiltsuk Nation to powerfully communicate the findings of their Indigenous Environmental Impact Assessment research.

Also in 2022….

We are also going to start the production of a new documentary film, with the working title “Sagelands and Seagrass”, telling the story of how Secwepemc Nation is building on the landmark Tsilhqot’in title decision to advance Indigenous sovereignty and enshrine stewardship values into law. 

And…. finally, we’ll be launching our new online learning platform, “Home on Native Land.” Hosted by Anishinaabe comedian Ryan McMahon, the series aims to illuminate the legal frameworks at the foundation of RAVEN’s work, with some brilliant guest stars. 

Our vision is unwavering: 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. If you want to deepen your relationship with RAVEN, please join our Circle of Allies as a monthly donor. 

We’re so incredibly grateful to the fantastic people, businesses, community groups and allied organizations who have stepped up again and again to empower the struggle for justice.