Stories

Reflecting on the United For Old-Growth March and Rally

February 25, 2023

On Saturday February 25 a united movement of thousands sent a clear message to the provincial government: Keep your promises and protect old-growth forests! Read our report back of this powerful event.

Photo by Mya Van Woudenberg

Coming together for forests

The United For Old Growth march and rally was a huge success thanks to everyone who showed up in the cold, offered support, and made art in their communities. And to the many that contributed in countless, often invisible ways, behind the scenes. You know who you are!

We chose the the 100th day Premier David Eby’s term to gather together and announce the United We Stand for Old Growth Declaration, which now has more than 225 signatory organizations.

David Knox, a Kwakwaka’wakw Hereditary Chief and member of the Kwakiutl Nation spoke in front of the BC Legislature:

“Old growth forests are vital for the health our lands and waters, our salmon and our culture, and the days of cutting them down need to end. Too much land in our territory has been destroyed, and this continues without the free, prior and informed consent of our chiefs and people.”

Thousands came together for old-growth forests (Photo by Mya Van Woudenberg).

Kwakwaka’wakw Hereditary Chief David Knox speaking at the rally (Photo by Mya Van Woudenberg).

It was moving to see so many people come out to speak for all the beings that can’t speak for themselves.

The B.C. government has made unprecedented promises that can potentially change the future of healthy ecosystems for the better – let’s hold them to it.

Our call for action was so strong, even Neil Young heard about it and joined the rally. Like travelling the mycelial network, the message reached him and he arrived from LA by train to show up for ancient forests and play two songs. A heart of gold, indeed.

The surprise visit was a true highlight of the day, but it didn’t steal the show. Many let us know that this was one of the most beautiful and inspiring rallies they’ve been to, with boundless creativity, and thoughtful speakers connecting the dots and sharing Indigenous perspectives for a different path forward.

Our call for action was so strong, even Neil Young heard about it and joined the rally (Photo by Mya Van Woudenberg).

Two community members joining the call for old-growth protection (Photo by Mya Van Woudenberg).

A shout out to artists

The Procession of Beings was a vision led by community artists to bring a huge expression of love for the web of life to the streets. Painters, dancers, puppeteers, musicians and creators of all ages had been coming together for months to create an artistic honoring of the life that call ancient forests home.

Art is a language that reaches past the noise and into the heart. We are so grateful for the creativity of SCBC’s Artists Circle and the many other groups from near and far who upheld these beings and backed the powerful Indigenous leadership at the head of the march and on the stage. It wasn’t just artwork, it was art at work.

Thank you for being with us as we stand up for ancient forests!

The Procession of Beings was a vision led by community artists to bring a huge expression of love for the web of life to the streets (Photo by Mya Van Woudenberg).

Painters, dancers, puppeteers, musicians and creators of all ages had been coming together for months to create an artistic honoring of the life that call ancient forests home (Photo by Mya Van Woudenberg).