UNCEDED LEKWUNGEN TERRITORIES/VICTORIA – 168 organizations across British Columbia have issued a declaration called United We Stand for Old-Growth Forests, calling on Premier David Eby and his government to fulfill their commitments on old-growth.

Signatories of the declaration, including the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, the Climate Caucus network of municipal elected leaders, and B.C. General Employees Union (BCGEU), are urging Eby to follow through on his October 2022 promise to “accelerate” action to protect old-growth forests within 100 days, and implement a paradigm shift in forest stewardship to safeguard biodiversity.

The organizers announced plans for a mass mobilization to hold the province accountable, with a march and rally scheduled for February 25, Eby’s 100th day.

“The government’s continued negligence and stonewalling on truly protecting old-growth and elder trees is endemic in its approach to climate change and the stewardship of our environment,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. “This feigned ignorance of what is happening to our forests by government and industry will be our downfall, and the impacts of this inaction will prevent us from leaving our future generations with a rich legacy of vibrant, healthy and productive forest lands.” Phillip added.

Our Salt Spring community is in touch with the United for Old Growth Coalition. Here on Salt Spring we have an organizing team already planning support for the rally. We will have a Salt Spring contingent in the Parade with a banner. Our community is signed up to help make walking trees and animal creatures for the big rally.

SSI Community Creator Space will be hosting some crafty workshops making trees and other creatures of the land and sea to join the march. We invite you to come on out, connect and have fun with other climate activists.

Workshops will be held on Saturdays Jan 28, Feb 4, 11, 18 from 10-2pm @ Creator Space Room 2 in the SIMS building in Ganges.

Open to the community. All ages welcome. Drop in and get crafty with us.

We are looking for supplies to help build the trees. Do you have any of old green and white bedsheets, and tent poles you no longer need and could donate them to us?

Are you interested in coming and supporting us to help organize and/or donate money to our efforts for supplies and transportation? 🙂 Email lynxlightwalking@riseup.net

🌲✨For more details of the rally, United 4 Old Growth Coalition, and the declaration

United We Stand for Old Growth Forests declaration: https://bit.ly/old-growth-declaration

NEWS RELEASE from Wilderness Committee.
https://www.wildernesscommittee.org/news/160-organizations-call-bc-follow-through-old-growth-commitments

Are you apart of a Organization that would like to sign the declaration email :: united4oldgrowth@gmail.com.