Raven coalmine at Fanny Bay - public rally January 21st, 2012 Buckley Bay

Solidarity Not Compliance! (A rally and call to action against coal mines on V.I.)

The news of recent, and massive protests in China over the proposed expansion of coal burning plants there, has inspired activists here to co-create a celebratory demonstration of solidarity in our own backyard. On Saturday, January 21st, just prior to the Chinese New Year, islanders are invited to occupy Buckley Bay by participating  in "Solidarity Not Compliance!" This outdoor demonstration is scheduled to get underway at 1:00 pm and encourages widespread participation

From the Pacific Northwest to Guangdong, China and beyond, a global uprising is underway. From town to town, and family to family folks are reaching out to one another in solidarity- through shared resistance to the mining, transport, and burning of coal.

Regardless of where coal mined in BC ends up being burned, we know that global warming, water contamination and other risks to human and environmental health know no borders. Tens of thousands of people have rallied in opposition to the threat of increased coal burning in China in the face of violent repression. As one protestor explained the current situation there, "We are fighting for our right to breathe." Vancouver Islanders and others know we are all in this together.

 "Solidarity Not Compliance!" is intended to provide not only a peaceful opportunity for declaring our solidarity with those protesting coal in China (and elsewhere), but with one another right here at home. As we embark on a brand new year of resistance to proposed coal mining on Vancouver Island, our January 21st event will get underway with the arrival of a festive Chinese dragon! 2012 is the year of the Water Dragon in Chinese mythology, and among other qualities symbolizes boldness, perseverance, and the overcoming of obstacles.

Come join in solidarity with others who are against the planned coal mine, Saturday  at the Buckley Bay ferry booth (to Denman Island) when the 12:45 sailing comes in from Denman if you wish to accompany the dragon across the road with music. Several speakers (Des Kennedy, Ken Wu) are planned to follow, and time-permitting, a soap-box for short declarations of solidarity from other participants. Depending on the weather, as well as number of folks in attendance, our gathering is expected to run around an hour and a half to two hours. Key to the rally will be a special photo assembly for widespread media dissemination so participants are encouraged to dress warmly but to be creative and colorful with costumes, signs and banners.

Please spread the world, and watch for updates (poster and press releases to follow in January).Volunteer assistance welcome! (contact: 335-1209).

This event is an independent grassroots initiative being co-ordinated by the Water Dragon Alliance- an adhoc committee of CV Valley activists created for the sole purpose of promoting "Solidarity Not Compliance!"

Anyone planning to come, please join me, Sheila H., to share transportation - call 333-8754.

PS - Compliance is the name of the company planning the coal mine

PPS - for more info on this event: http://www.solidaritynotcompliance.blogspot.com/

PPPS - for more info on the planned mine and the BC Assessment process: coalwatch.ca