Ottawa Sit-in Planned to Say NO to Tar Sands

Native News Network Staff in Native Challenges. Discussion »

Solidarity Rally Site

OTTAWA, CANADA - With an announcement that begins, "There comes a time you need to take a stand… That time is now. We must act together for the health of our planet, our air, our water, our climate, and our children," the Indigenous Environmental Network is asking for protesters to participate in the a sit-in in Ottawa, Canada this Monday, September 26 to demonstrate against the Keystone Pipeline XL. Training for the protests will take place in Ottawa on Sunday, September 25.

The Sunday training is mandatory because many will be risking arrest to tell the Harper government that they don't support his reckless agenda; that they want to turn away from the toxic tar sands industry; and that we oppose the direction he's taking this country.

In the United States, several people were arrested outside of the White House from August 20 - September 3, including several American Indian leaders who opposed the Keystone Pipeline XL coming to the United States.

The Ottawa events are as follows:

Sunday September 25

Training will run from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Sunday, September 25 at 55 Laurier Ave. E., at The University of Ottawa, Building Desmarais, 1st floor, Room 1160.

Monday September 26

We will be meeting at 10am at the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill. Please don't be late, final instructions for the sit-in will be shared at the solidarity rally.

Solidarity Rally: There will be a solidarity rally at the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill at 10:00 am. There will be statements from a range of speakers and an opportunity to support sit-in participants. This is a rally that is intended for broader participation and does not include the risk of arrest.

posted September 24, 2011 6:30 am edt