Celebrating with the Tsilhqot’in!! A great way to spend a weekend!

“If we lose, we’re not a culture, not a people…Losing is not an option for us.”  Chief Roger William uttered these prophetic words back in 2002, during filming of the documentary Wild Horses, Unconquered People about the Xeni Gwet’in’s now legendary legal challenge for title to Tsilhqot’in land.   This past weekend I was privileged to be invited…

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Victoria’s Healing Walk – thanks to the RAVEN supporters!!

Victoria’s healing walk raised $1579.35 for RAVEN and close to 300 people participated. We were thrilled at people’s response.  Included in this amount is $130.00 which RAVEN supporter/volunteer Terry Dance-Bennink raised at an open forum on Enbridge in Sooke on June 19th. Several RAVEN representatives attended including current directors Jessica Van der Veen and Kathryn Harwood,…

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Great Ways to Give on #GivingTuesday!

Today is the second annual #GivingTuesday, a day for philanthropic giving after Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  And RAVEN is participating by offering one of our fabulous T-shirts, sporting the logo that was created for us by renowned T’sou-Ke artist Mark Gauti.   Everyone who donates today will be entered in a draw for a tee!    And all funds raised…

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New Prosperity Mine EA Report Worse than 2010 Version that led to a “Scathing” Rejection

It’s out – the CEAA Panel report on Taseko’s New Prosperity Mine.  Here are sample headlines: Canada panel says revised Taseko mine plan may harm environment – ReutersNew Prosperity mine would have ‘adverse environmental effects,’ panel finds – CBCFirst Nations declare victory against Taseko’s BC mine – CBCThe CEAA Executive Summary   And here is a Quick Selection of Panel Report Key FindingsHere’s…

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A RIVER PILGRIMAGE TO THE TAR SANDS – Part Four

This is the final instalment in a four-part series by RAVEN supporter Terry Dance-Bennink, following her travels to the heart of the Alberta tar sands.  We would like to thank Terry for this informative contribution!Part Four:   Lessons learnedAfter a disheartening visit to Alberta’s tar sands, Terry Dance-Bennink reflects on what can be done to support…

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A RIVER PILGRIMAGE TO THE TAR SANDS – Part Three

Part Three:   Don’t drink the water Terry Dance-Bennink spends time with First Nations families suffering from the toxic air and water in Fort MacKay and interviews Dr. John O’Connor who says don’t drink the tap water!First Nations hospitalityThe dirt road into Fort McKay is a bumpy ride. It’s currently being expanded and paved and is…

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A RIVER PILGRIMAGE TO THE TAR SANDS – Part Two

Part Two:   Black gold fever In part two of her river pilgrimage to the tar sands, Terry Dance-Bennink writes about the highway to hell, black gold fever in Fort McMurray, and the toxic tailings lakes. The highway to hell Highway 63 is weird – like nothing I’ve ever seen. We drove north for several hours…

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A RIVER PILGRIMAGE TO THE TAR SANDS

RAVEN is pleased to introduce a four-part blog series from supporter Terry Dance-Bennink following her recent trip to the Alberta tar sands.  We will post the remaining three entries over the course of this week. by Terry Dance-Bennink, M.Ed. Victoria, B.C. October 16, 2013 A RIVER PILGRIMAGE TO THE TAR SANDS Part One:   First encounters…

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