On Thursday April 21, over 100 people rallied against Weyerhaeuser at the Toronto Stock Exchange, demonstrating their support for the Haida Nation’s logging blockades. They came to show that we stand with the Haida and their demands for self-determination, Native rights, ancient forests, and sustainable local economies. Throngs of business people in the heart of the financial district were confronted by the sound of Native drummers, raging grannies, colorful banners, and pamphlets supporting the Haida and exposing Weyerhaeuser as an unethical and unsafe investment.

Speakers representing Native communities, environmental NGO's, and human rights groups expressed their support for Indigenous struggles to protect the land and gain self-determination. Statements from the Haida were read explaining their issues, their bold actions and their appreciation for the widespread support they have received. Similar issues facing First Nations in Ontario’s threatened Boreal forest were brought to light by Neecha of the Ojibway Nation of Saugeen, near Sioux Lookout ON.

This is part of a growing movement of people uniting in support of Native struggles for self-determination and healthy ecosystems. Across Canada from Haida Gwaii to Sun Peaks, from Grassy Narrows to Saugeen, and from Mohawk Territory to Burnt Church, Native communities are standing up for their rights against socially and ecologically destructive corporations and government policies. Increasingly, these communities are finding a wide range of supporters who are willing to stand with them and to spread the impacts of their actions into urban centers and into the media.

In Seattle, representatives of the Haida Nation held a joint press conference with the Rainforest Action Network (RAN) to coincide with Weyerhaeuser’s annual meeting of shareholders. The story was picked up by major US newspapers and TV. RAN activists hung 8 large banners on overhangs along Seattle's main highway, Interstate 5, while 60 to 70 people demonstrated on Weyerhaeuser's corporate headquarters. Over 20 allies attended Weyerhaeuser's 1 and a 1/2 hour Annual General Meeting. Leaders from various groups, including Haida First Nation representatives, the Native Forest Council, Amnesty International, the Steelworkers Union, leaders of the green building industry, Boreal Songbird Initiative, the Sierra Club, Jobs with Justice, socially responsible investors and members of RAN all expressed their concerns to Weyerhaeuser's Chief Executive Officer, Steve Rogel, during the meeting.

Solidarity demonstrations were also organized in Vancouver, Winnipeg, and New York.

For pictures of the Toronto demo check out:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/branto/

For more info and updates on the Haida Blockades check out:

www.haidanation.ca