Come Together: A Week of Action for Forests
September 7-12, 2021
In this time of great crisis, we must be brave enough to try new tactics.
Our goal is to help as many people as possible recognize the unique gift, talent or voice that they have to offer at this crucial time. By celebrating that everyone has something to bring to the table – from families to artists to faith groups – we can make the old-growth movement more inclusive to all. It is through this broadened taking up of responsibility that we will create the fertile ground necessary for meaningful forestry reform to be enacted.
That’s where this reimagined week of action comes in. It was designed to invite a deeper sense of connection and obligation to the forest and to expand the web of people who care about them.
You’re invited to reflect on your own unique gifts and talents and how they might be best used at this time in the service of the forests and of future generations. Whether you’re a painter, thinker, donor, student or influencer, there’s something for everyone. Click the events and resources that speak most to you to learn more!
Day 1: Art for Activism – Forest Printmaking Lesson
In this session, we dove into how you can use art as a tool for change and as a source of inspiration. The short talk was followed by a printmaking lesson with artist Elisabeth Noble who will teach you how to create forest-inspired block prints. The resulting prints celebrate the web of life forests hold and can be sent to your local representatives along with a prompt to protect old-growth and intact forests. Watch the art lesson here.
Day 2: Journey towards a respectful relationship with the forest
This webinar is an invitation to consider pathways into actively restoring a respectful relationship with the forests that sustain us all. The webinar was moderated by Ascher Goodman who facilitated an intercultural dialogue between Executive Director Hannah Askew and former SCBC Board members Valine Brown, an organizer, communications professional, and devoted Haida citizen belonging to the K’aawas Eagle Clan, and Darcy Lindberg, who is mixed-rooted Plains Cree and is currently an Assistant Professor with the University of Victoria’s Faculty of Law. Watch the webinar here.
Day 3: A social media day of action for forests
We want to bring the forest to people’s feeds! Take to social media – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or any other platforms you’re loving these days – to encourage the B.C. government to protect the last remaining old-growth with big, ancient trees. Learn more here, including some accounts to tag and shareable graphics.
Day 4: Reimagining our relationships with all living beings: A Mother Tree educational resource
Nurturers and learners of all ages are invited to reimagine our relationships with all beings. Mother Trees are at the centre of Sierra Club BC’s newest online educational material and offers a pathway towards embracing our interconnections, understanding, and joint responsibility with gratitude. Explore the Mother Tree-inspired educational resource here.
Day 5: Getting out on the land
Who are your forest neighbours? We invite you to get out and connect with your local forest – whether that’s an oak tree in your local urban park or towering old-growth forests. Either take a day to reflect by yourself, or invite your family and friends to spend time out on the land. It’s so important as we do this work to connect with the beings who sustain us all and build a relationship grounded in reciprocity.
Closing: Being a voice for the forest
We are excited to announce that the launch of our brand new action takers guide “Being a Voice for the Forest!” Explore this comprehensive resource to learn how you can use your gifts to stand up for old-growth.
With your help, we can protect the breathtaking web of life which works hard to sustain us all. Please explore and revisit these many events and feel free to share them with your networks. Will you join us on the journey?
Featured artwork by Mya Van Woudenberg