Hi all.
I’m happy to say that our protest march against Grassy Mtn. yesterday in Pincher Creek was a huge success. I was really hoping to see a 30 person turn out. Much to my surprise and delight, we had close to 200 people show up with signs and enthusiasm, despite the -14C temperature. Some attendees came from distances as far as Lethbridge and Calgary, which is where event organizer Nicole Johnston and her husband, Hugh, travelled from.
Once everyone was gathered at the United Church we were honoured to have Nicole’s mother, Piikani Elder Valerie Crowshoe, offer a prayer blessing in the Blackfoot language to begin our march and subsequent gathering in the church basement. The march itself lasted about 30 minutes with Global and CTV coverage on site.
Participants were very happy to be able to warm up in the church basement with a coffee or tea and snack of crackers, cheese and cookies provided by the long time famous Raging Grannies of Lethbridge.
Several people spoke to the group from both First Nations and non-indigenous backgrounds. It was a very comfortable and joyous sharing of thoughts, ideas, experiences, generosity, appreciation, and caring for one another as well as what our common goal is, that being the care of our Mother Earth.
One of the Piikani speakers was Harley Bastien, an environmental consultant who in 2023 was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal for Indigenous engagement in western Canada. A very heartfelt message that Harley conveyed was his reference to his family, inclusive of the land, water, trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers, as well as all of the creatures that inhabit those environs.
The Raging Grannies provided us with songs they have composed, and in wrapping up the event they made no mistake about saying (LOUDLY) “NO” to Grassy Mtn. coal, with “NO” as well to Gina Rinehart, and the Alberta Gov’t. They are an enthusiastic bunch, an asset to community, and a complete delight to have at any event!
This was the first of 4 rallies organized by Nicole with one coming on Monday, Jan. 6 in Ft. Macleod followed by another in Lethbridge and finally one in Calgary. I’m hoping to have the details soon so I can provide those to all of you.
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend, and to those who were unable, but nonetheless were with us in spirit. For a view of the Global TV coverage, click here.
Awesome event.