We’re witnessing a historic moment. The proposed Enbridge pipeline is dead! Today federal government announced that it is revoking its approval for the Northern Gateway pipeline,  giving effect to the First Nations victory in court this July. Seven First Nations – Gitxaala, Kitasoo/Xai’xais, Heiltsuk, Gitga’at, Haida, Nadleh Whut’en and Nak’azdli – have won the day against a multinational corporation with deep pockets, a humongous PR machine, and unimpeded access to government. 

First Nations defended their land and waters in court, in the media and in the streets. Tens of thousands of us joined with them and stood with them, all the way! We knew this model of citizen action behind First Nations legal challenges was strategic: now we know it works! 

Click here to send a ‘Thank You” message to all seven of the Pull Together nations >> pull-together.ca

This is a victory not just for the seven Pull Together nations but for all who engaged on this campaign in a myriad of different ways. It took ten years, thousands of hours in court, thousands of comments in the environmental review process, tens of thousands of people rallying across the province, and hundreds of thousands of letters and emails to government. It took courage, determination, leadership from communities in the north, strength and unity among North Coast First Nations, and unprecedented solidarity from the rest of us.

In its breadth and scope, this victory is unprecedented in the history of Canada. This is the first time First Nations successfully stopped a muti-billion dollar project with such a  show of solidarity from the rest of Canadian society. Together, we’re a force to be reckoned with!

We’re incredibly proud of each and every person in the Pull Together community, which raised $600,000 to support the First Nations legal fight. The creativity unleashed was incredible! People did yoga, ate chocolate, screened films, got married, barbecued burgers, played music and more! See some of the Pull Together stories here.

Our most heartfelt gratitude goes to you for all you did personally to make this happen. This is your moment also – take the time to savour it!

There has been something truly special about the spirit of Pull Together, the mix of commitment, staying power and irreverent fun that has been the hallmark of our journey together.

The victory would be much less sweet had it not been for Denman Island Chocolate and their Pull Together chocolate bar. Big thank-yous to Moksha Yoga, Salt Spring Coffee, Uprising Breads Bakery and all the committed companies who donated to make sure Enbridge was NOT business as usual.

After the celebrations, we know there are other fights are looming on the horizon. The government still wants to build pipelines to BC’s special coast, and do it without community or Indigenous consent.  The recent oil spill in Heiltsuk territory attests to the fact that we need a strong and permanent tanker ban, with monitoring and enforcement.

Find out about out next mission: Stop the Kinder Morgan Pipeline!

At the same time as killing Enbridge, the government announced their approval of the Kinder Morgan pipeline.  So: stay tuned, because we have another fight on our hands. But for today, let’s celebrate!