Yes there are indigenous leaders that support new pipelines & expanding oil & gas development. This is not surprising given that indigenous communities have highest unemployment, over represented in low paying jobs,most jailed & highest suicide rates in Canada #cdnpoli Thread 1/
This is result present day systemic inequality & racism, legacy of colonialism, inequality & devastating long term trauma of residential schools. So of course many leaders say yes to big cheques from fossil fuel interests especially when told project will go ahead anyways /2
There are many people every community that are struggling w reality #climateemergency & our collective responsibility & would like to still benefit from oil & gas expansion. Who wouldn’t? Facts are it’s not safe to oil & gas& transition will be harder if we expand the problem/3
Imagine if our governments & industry were proposing geothermal, wind farms, solar farms, data farms or a subsidized expansion of agriculture, tourism or? Would these leaders & communities rather have cleaner, safer industries not as dangerous to land and water? bet they would/4
As long as our intellectual & financial capital & taxpayers dollars are propping up most polluting industries instead of using our creativity to support cleaner industries & long term stable economy we will be a country divided & one that is tearing indigenous communities apart
It’s actually astonishing given the trauma and economic inequalities that these fights against new pipelines are led by indigenous leaders who face huge struggles but are dedicating their time and sacrificing their freedom to protect the water & land & climate.
Can those of us with enormous privledge who have not had to endure that legacy and present day racism honestly say if we were in that position and faced with those choices we would have that courage and be willing to make those sacrifices?
I have deep respect and awe for those of you bearing this burden at this moment in history. I am inspired by your persistence, clarity & leadership. #WetsuwenStrong @Gidimten @tsleilwaututh @SquamishNation @Khelsilem @UBCIC @UnistotenCamp @ErielTD @Indigenous_ca @KanahusFreedom
