CANMORE – What happened in Wet’suwet’en is not staying in Wet’suwet’en, if one Canmorite can help it.
Looking to raise awareness and support by organizing a march this Sunday (Jan. 27), Bow Valley local Michelle Signer said this is not an anti-pipeline protest, but an awareness march for “pro clean water.”
“I felt it was important to organize something here, so that all of us living in our ‘Bow Valley bubble’ were aware of the issue and what was happening,” Signer explained.
Earlier this month in northern B.C., 14 Wet’suwet’en people opposed to a natural gas pipeline in their territory were removed and arrested because according to a December court injunction, Coastal GasLink had the authority to enter in the territory despite the hereditary Chiefs opposition.
“This is an ongoing issue ... I just want to get information out there and raise awareness for a really serious issue,” Signer said.
Inspired to organize the march, Signer explained this is an issue that hits close to home, as she suffered a chemical burn in high school after fracking near her home in Alberta contaminated the water.
“When I see other people doing the same thing years later, I think it is important to raise awareness,” Signer said.
“We all need and deserve clean water – once you contaminate it, you can’t get it back.”
Since the Wet’suwet’en arrests, more than 70 actions, such as marches in solidarity, have popped up all across Canada including 200 Canadian musicians and industry members releasing a statement in support.
“This is a continuing issue and we need to keep it in the public’s eye,” Signer said.
The Awareness March is on Sunday (Jan. 27) kicking off with poster making at noon and marching starting at 1 p.m. in front of Lifeways, located at 709 Main St., Canmore.
