Anti-Olympic Torch Demonstration in Kitchener Ontario - No Olympics on Stolen Native Land (1 of 3)

On December 27th 2009 AW@L and many of its allies converged in Kitchener to demonstrate against the 2010 olympic torch relay. Over 200 people from KW, Toronto, Hamilton, NY state, Guelph, Six Nations, London, Stratford, and throughout the region came out to show their contempt for the Olympic Circus.

Since the awarding of the 2010 Olympics to Vancouver and Whistler, a growing network has resisted the social, cultural, and environmental injustices attributable to the Olympics.

The Olympic torch relay itself is a burning symbol of injustice and colonialism. The torch is planned to pass through Kitchener this implicitly supports the injustices and destruction occurring in the name of the Games. For these reasons, we demanded that the City of Kitchener back out of the Olympic torch relay.

In Vancouver, efforts have been directed at cleaning up the city—a project of gentrification. This has entailed violent evictions and the loss of social housing, in addition to aggressive new policing tactics.

Over $1.75 billion has been officially spent on the 2010 Olympics (over $6billion total), overwhelming the capacity of the City and province to fund social programs. Kitchener should be directing money to
social services rather than hosting the torch relay, and must cease supporting the City of Vancouvers injustices. One of the most obvious impacts of the 2010 Olympics is the failure of officials and legislation
to protect vital ecosystems from destruction, mirroring the trend in legislation which allows continued unsustainable development in Kitchener. Finally, the 2010 Olympics are taking place on the unceded traditional territory of the Coast Salish People. Despite band council support, the International Indigenous Youth Movement and the Native Youth Warriors continue actively resisting the Olympics. The Union of BC Indian Chiefs spoke out strongly against the games and in August 2009, the Six Nations Hoskanigetha (Mens Fire Council)
stated that the torch will not pass through Six Nations territory. Opposition amongst youth groups at Six Nations has solidified resistance within the community against Olympic injustices. Since our community is living on disputed land, it is absolutely critical to uphold the Two Row
Wampum Treaty signed by the Haudenosaunee and European settlers. To honour our treaty obligations Kitchener must satisfy its duty to consult for new development on the Haldimand Tract/Grand River Watershed area of the Six Nations people. The Olympic Resistance NetworkOntario and AW@L continue to resist the 2010 Olympics. We are
committed to educating the community about the impacts of the Games and continuing resistance
to the Olympics and the local torch relay.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• no2010
• Indigenous Resistance
• olympics
• torch relay
• olympic
• 2010
• winter olympics
• AW@L
• kitchener

[AllGlamouredUp]

I totally disagree with this entire video, but i listened to the whole thing.

[longsaber]

@frdfan

F.O.D.

we have jobs, and in addition we have lives.

[longsaber]

@WarriorOfTheOldWays1

what the fuck are you talking about? how are we trying to call ourselves native? the video is from ontario not BC.

F.O.D.

[WarriorOfTheOldWays1]

go back to japan...tryna call urselves native...u guys over in bc arent even brown

[frdfan]

Get a fucking job you losers

[sooner70]

I agree what they are doing is wrong... I'm only looking forward to watching Canada hopefully bring home the gold in Hockey... thats it...

[Chrissyh221]

great

[Steeper33]

Excellent Demonstration, I regret missing it. Thank you.

Very good question,

David Eby - 3:24

[shawnmc420]

love it! I am in vic and was part of the zombie march at the start of the relay (we altered the planned course)and plan to be at the convergence, it is going to be interesting for sure