It’s time for…

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

It’s time to step away from fabricated solutions to the issues facing our environment and dig down to the roots. It’s time to recognize and work towards holistic solutions that incorporate the realities of Environmental Justice (EJ) into our lives and create grassroots alternatives.  At the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit in 1991, Environmental Justice was defined as

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“a national and international movement of all peoples of color to fight the destruction and taking of our lands and communities, [to] hereby re-establish our spiritual interdependence to the sacredness of our Mother Earth; to respect and celebrate each of our cultures, languages and beliefs about the natural world and our roles in healing ourselves; to ensure Environmental Justice; to promote economic alternatives which would contribute to the development of environmentally safe livelihoods; and, to secure our political, economic and cultural liberation that has been denied for over 500 years of colonization and oppression, resulting in the poisoning of our communities and land and the genocide of our peoples.”

We must acknowledge that environmental degradation and injustice are tied to issues of reproductive justice, indigenous sovereignty, decolonization, anti-capitalism, and anti-racism. We must challenge mainstream conceptions of ‘environmentalism’.

Gather. Resist. Act.

This summer, WPIRG is hosting a two-day convergence on Environmental Justice. We hope to discuss radical resistance to environmental destruction, to inspire action around environmental and climate justice issues, and to further extend this knowledge to the larger KW-community. Workshop and presentation topics will include: Environmental Justice broadly defined, local issues of indigenous sovereignty, reproductive justice, anti-capitalist and anti-racist action. We will also offer panel discussions, activities geared towards younger folks, guerrilla art and performances glittered with militant creativity, and practical tips to bring environmental justice into your heart and life.

Accessibility

This convergence will be taking place on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. Specifically, most events will take place in and around the University of Waterloo campus. Issues of accessibility are of the utmost importance to us and we will keep them in mind throughout the planning of this gathering. We want everyone to be able to afford to get to us. All of the events are free of charge and bus tickets for local routes are available. Our spaces will be as physically accessible as possible. Children and younger folks are not only welcome but will be directly included in most activities. Childcare and ASL interpretation will be available upon request. If there are other things we can do to ensure your ability to safely and comfortably access the convergence, you can email environmental.justice.action@gmail.com.

If you’re angry…

…about the new sludge plant proposed at the headwaters of the Grand River and on Haudenosaunee land, join us and find the tools to take action. If you are frustrated about capitalist, green-washed solutions to climate change, learn how to get involved in real solutions. If you want to learn how to bring EJ home and make lasting changes in your life, health and local environment, come out and find inspiration.

Don’t Forget to Save the Date!

 AUGUST 23rd & 24th!

For more information, contact environmental.justice.action@gmail.com.