News
Environmental Racism: A Story of Colonization and Ecocide
Join us on January 26th 4pm PST for a webinar, Environmental Racism: A Story of Colonization and Ecocide, in collaboration with Stop Ecocide Canada. The purpose of the webinar is to raise awareness on using international law, and specifically a crime of ecocide, to uphold Indigenous rights and environmental protection. Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NA_lKq7qRESZFQ7iv3EvbA In this third…
VIDEO: Indigenous Perspectives on Climate Action: Community Solutions
RAVEN and WECAN (West Coast Climate Action Network) presented another great webinar in our Indigenous Perspectives on Climate Action series looking at community solutions. Speakers include Pansy Wright-Simms and Leona Humchitt.
Questions & reflections on the brink of light
Though most of us are in the deep freeze of winter, the hours of darkness are getting shorter and the light is growing, bit by bit, every day. The conditions of nature are conducive to going inwards, while the restrictions of Covid demand that we contain ourselves and even, when necessary, isolate. In this time…
Settlers get 35% bump in property values. Indigenous Peoples? Not so much.
There is this crazy myth that Indigenous Peoples in Canada get free housing. In fact, it’s non-Indigenous home-owners that are getting a plush ride.
This week, the value of homes across the province jumped between 15 and 35%. The bump in housing values for settler homeowners creates a huge pool of unearned wealth. But: here’s the thing. Indigenous people living on reserves may never “own” the land their homes are built on, leaving them out of this property bonanza and further disadvantaged by lack of access to capital.
RAVEN-WECANN Webinar: Indigenous Perspectives on Climate Action
We’re delighted to announce a new webinar series and a new partnership! RAVEN and WECAN (West Coast Climate Action Network) have teamed up to host a four-part webinar series: Indigenous Perspectives on Climate Action. Please join our next webinar: What: Community Solutions Who: Pansy Wright-Simms (Spokesperson for Simogyet Luutkudziiwus, Gitxsan Nation) Leona Humchitt (Councillor, Heiltsuk Nation) When: January 12,…
Introducing Levin Chamberlain: RAVEN’s newest Grant Writer and Project Coordinator
Levin Chamberlain is RAVEN’s newest Grant Writer and Project Coordinator Read his interview to learn how Levin ended up at RAVEN what inspires him to stand up for Indigenous sovereignty and more!
Introducing Caitlyn Kerr: RAVEN’s Event Organizer and Business Outreach Coordinator
Caitlyn Kerr is RAVEN’s new Event Organizer and Business Outreach Coordinator. Read her interview to find out what’s been bringing her joy in 2021, what inspires her to stand up for Indigenous sovereignty and more!
Part 2: 14 reasons 2021 didn’t totally suck. PS: it’s mostly because of Indigenous youth and their acts of resistance
Part 2 of a series: On the surface, 2021 was a year we might want to forget. But: as we start to peel back layers of the long-term toll the last year has taken on our collective well-being, let’s also remember to celebrate and lift each other up. Here’s a list of incredible Indigenous artists, activists and creators who use their voices, stories and skills to bring joy and build community.
Part 1: 14 reasons 2021 didn’t totally suck. PS: it’s mostly because of Indigenous youth and their acts of resistance
Part 1 of a series: On the surface, 2021 was a year we might want to forget. But: as we start to peel back layers of the long-term toll the last year has taken on our collective well-being, let’s also remember to celebrate and lift each other up. Here’s a list of incredible Indigenous artists, activists and creators who use their voices, stories and skills to bring joy and build community.
Celebrating Victories in 2021!
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…
The shi(f)t is hitting the fan: a RAVEN year in review
We love hearing about what has kept you going—and what you’re thinking about headed into next year. Take part in our year end community reflection survey.
VIDEO: Lessons from the red-tailed hawk with John Borrows
We had the honour of hearing from Dr. John Borrows (member of the Chippewa of the Nawash First Nation): Indigenous lawyer, scholar, prolific author and teacher. We also heard from RAVEN’s Executive Director Susan Smitten, who carries the founding vision of RAVEN forward every single day with her warm, spirited and ambitious leadership. In the…
Seven days on the Bruce Trail for Indigenous Rights
In September 2021 the Canada Camino started a week-long hike across the Bruce Trail from Mono Mills heading North to Collingwood to raise money for Indigenous sovereignty and global food security. Organized by Aangen and Heart Space, a group of six hikers spent seven days learning about the land, respecting the ancestors who took care of it for time immemorial, and connecting to the spirit of the forest.
An invitation from Bringing the Salmon Home
Bringing the Salmon Home: The Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative offers a new model for collaborative Indigenous-led fish and habitat management. This work is led by the Syilx Okanagan, Secwépemc and Ktunaxa Nations.
Podcast: Canadaland takes on Neskantaga & the Ring of Fire
This Canadaland podcast episode is worth a listen all the way through: hear host Ryan McMahon and guest Pam Palmater chew the fat over the erasure of Indigenous rights in the Ontario Conservative party’s rush to develop the
VIDEO: CityTV will air Miaci: Canned Salmon Music Festival on Saturday, December 19
Coastal First Nations, RAVEN and Salmon Nation are thrilled to share that CityTV will air Miaci: Canned Salmon Music Festival — featuring Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Carsen Gray, Jason Camp & the Poseurs, comedian Sasha Mark, Hayley Wallis, Murray Porter and more — on Saturday, December 19!
Freda Huson: A Stronghold for her People
Freda Huson was awarded the “Right Livelihood” award — known as the alternative Nobel — “For her fearless dedication to reclaiming her people’s culture and defending their land against disastrous pipeline projects.” Freda Huson is a chief (Dzeke ze’) from the Wet’suwet’en people in Canada who has been a leading advocate for Indigenous communities reconnecting with their…
Webinar: Indigenous Perspectives on Climate Action – Community Solutions
WEBINAR: Indigenous Perspective on Climate Action Community Solutions WEDNESDAY January 12, 2022 4:00pm Pacific | 7:00pm Eastern save my spot Pansy Wright-Simms, Gitxsan Nation. Pansy Wright-Simms, a member of the Luutkudziiwus, a traditional “wilp,” or house group, of the Gitxsan Nation. Gaypaygw’m Ganauu Pansy Wright-Simms is the spokeswomen for Simogyet Luudkudziiwus, Charlie Wright; of the…
WEBINAR: Unearthing sorrows, planting hope
WEBINAR: Unearthing Sorrows, Planting Hope with Dr. John Borrows, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Law THURSDAY December 16, 2021 6:00 pm Pacific | 9:00pm Eastern save my spot Dr. John Borrows Dr. John Borrows, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Law; Officer of the Order of Canada; co-founder, Joint Indigenous-Common Law Degree Program, University of Victoria;…
Unearthing sorrows, planting hope
There are few humans that embody the term “poetic justice” like Dr. John Borrows. An Anishinaabe scholar, legal expert, and mentor to a new generation of Indigenous lawyers, Dr. Borrows is rightly celebrated as a visionary whose braiding of legal traditions tethers the wisdom of his ancestors to the challenges, and opportunities, of the present…