[van-announce] logistical info: sun peaks convergence

[noii-van at resist.ca]

*** UPDATED LOGISTICAL INFORMATION ***

NEW WEBSITE: http://apc.resist.ca/skwelkwekwelt
please check the website for updates as logistics continue to be
confirmed. Print posters and leaflets and help spread the word!


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RESISTANCE WITHOUT RESERVATION!
CONVERGENCE AGAINST SUN PEAKS RESORT
SUNDAY AUG 29 @ 10 AM
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Sun Peaks is built on Secwepemc land, which the Secwepemc refer to as
Skwelkwek’welt, located in BC’s interior, 30 km NE of Kamloops. Secwepemc
have never ceded, surrendered or released their land in any way. In 1997,
the BC government approved a $70 million development plan,
allowing Sun Peaks to continue to expand their resort to 20,000 beds and
put ski runs on the previously undisturbed Mt. Morrisey. The Secwepemc
attended stakeholder meetings and clearly said no to the development. Land
and Water BC however, clearly disregarded their voices and granted new
leases to Sun Peaks to facilitate their expansion, and in June 2001, Land
and Water BC obtained a court injunction to forcibly remove Secwepemc from
their lands. To date, 54 arrests with charges from criminal contempt and
intimidation by blocking a road to resisting arrest have been made.

FOR MORE INFO ON SECWEPEMC RESISTANCE:
http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/sun_peaks.htm
http://www.geocities.com/spabc123/
www.skwelkwekwelt.net
recent article:
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=30&ItemID=5996



==> TICKETS FOR THE CONVERGENCE:

Tickets are 5-30$ (no one turned away). This includes return travel on the
bus. Accomodations are free of cost.

We encouarge organizations sending delegates to keep in mind that the
actual cost per person is 45$ per person.

We are requesting that people please book tickets in advance so we can
estimate the number of buses to organize, how much food is needed etc.
**** Space on a bus is not guaranteed without a ticket.

Tickets can be picked up at
1) Co-op Bookstore at 1391 Commercial Drive,
Phone: 604-253-6442. Speak with Ray (available Tuesday-Saturday)

2) Friendship Center
1640 East Hastings (near Commrercial Drive). Speak with Curtis (Youth
Program) 604-251-4844

3) Union BC Indian Chiefs: 342 Water Street. Speak with Don Bain.
604-684-0231

4) You can call 778-552-2099 or email noii-van at resist.ca to arrange other
pick-up. Tickets will also be sold at Under the Volcano.



*** LOGISTICAL UPDATE FOR THE CONVERGENCE ***

==> There will be an informational session with maps/driving directions
for those driving, legal information, logistical information,
banner-making, some guidelines and things to consider set forth by
Skwekwek'welt defenders. We strongly encourage everyone to attend so
everyone is informed and knows what to expect at the convergence.

SUNDAY AUG 22 AT 4 PM
Palestine Community Centre
1874 Kingsway, near Victoria Dr


==> TRANSPORTATION: Neskonlith reserve is about a 5-6 hour drive from
Vancouver, 15 minutes from Chase, 30 minutes from Kamloops, 50 minutes
from Sun Peaks resort.
- Buses: Leave Vancouver at 10:30 am sharp Saturday August 28th, at the
Safeway Parking lot, Commercial & Broadway (Broadway Skytrain).  Return is
Sunday August 29th to same place in the evening (latest arrival back in
Vancouver will be 11 pm)
- Carpooling: If driving in a car, you MUST contact us to reserve space for
camping and food. We also encourage you to meet us Saturday morning near
the buses to share phone numbers, legal informations, maps and directions
etc, if not possible please contact us beforhand so we can provide that
information.

==> PROTEST:
- We will be protesting at Sun Peaks on Sunday, August 29th at 10 am.  It
is about 50 minute drive from the reserve to the resort. For those driving
in on Sunday morning, we encourage you to meet us at Neskonlith Community
Center by 9 am or at Sun Peaks entrance at 10 am.

** GUIDELINES FOR THE CONVERGENCE:
by Irene Billy (Elder of the Camp) and Janice Billy (Skwekwelk'welt
Protection Center spokesperson) on behalf of all Skwekwek'welt Defenders
email: jrbilly at mail.ocis.net or nymcommunications at hotmail.com

Our community has been harrassed for many years now and we are under
surveillance by the Major Crimes Unit. We defend our land and territories
by whatever means we find necessary, which has resulted in intimidation
and massive arrests. Many of us still have court restrictions on our own
land and are not willing to go through the colonial criminal court system
again and again. Thank for your support in defending Skwekwelk'welt and
Aborginal rights.

- No drugs or alcohol, no loud swearing during protest at tourists/
bystanders (except police), no property destruction, no camoflauge or
masks, only our people speak with media about our fight.


==> ACCOMODATIONS:  We will be spending the night of Aug 28th, on the
Neskonlith Reserve near Chase, BC about 1/2 hour from Kamloops
-Camping: There will be a large open space for tents near the community
centre.
- Community Centre: For those without tents there will be some space on the
floor in the Neskonlith Community Centre
- Billeting: For those who are unable to camp or sleep on the floor, there
is some billeting in the community.  This is mainly for elders, those with
disabilities and those with small children. * Please contact us to reserve
a space for housing.

==> FOOD:  We are still confirming food.  Please bring snacks/lunch for the
bus.  There will be a salmon dinner by donation ($1-10 sliding scale) on
Saturday night provided by the community.  As well we expect there will be
some breakfast and lunch on Sunday.

==> LEGAL: A legal team will give a legal workshop on the buses as well as
give information at the session on August 22nd and at the camp the night
before. (TBC)

==> FIRST AID: There will be a first aid team and a registered nurse.

==> WHAT TO BRING: food, sleeping bag/blankets/mats, tent, water bottles,
sunscreen, noise makers, banners, your own utensils (dish, cup, fork)


Organized by Land,Freedom Decolonization Coalition in conjunction with
NYM-Secwepemc Chapter and the Skwek'wekwelt Protection Center.

For more information: tel: 778-552-2099, email: noii-van at resist.ca,
website: http://apc.resist.ca/skwelkwekwelt

Land, Freedom, Decolonization Coalition is a network of groups and
individuals in Vancouver from Native Youth Movement, Native Solidarity
Network, No One is Illegal, Refugees Against Racial Profiling, South Asian
Network for Secularism and Democracy, Palestine Community Center,
Anti-Poverty Committee, International Solidarity Movement, Bus Riders
Union, South Asian Youth Alliance, Friends and Families of Mexican
Political Prisoners, Committee for Solidarity with Columbia, and others.