by Eric Reder, Campaign Director, Manitoba

WINNIPEG -  Late on Sunday, May 6th, after a whirlwind weekend for the Yinka Dene Alliance Freedom Train riders, I took my truck to the hostel to help transport them back to the train station so they could continue their journey. After filling the back with luggage, there was an exclamation as they went to hop in the front. “A caribou! Oh, we have to get our friend. She’s part of the caribou clan.” People clambered around, and pictures were taken of the caribou decal on the side window of my truck.  

I spent the weekend taking photos of the Yinka Dene events held in Winnipeg, and listening to the stories. I needed to remember this important event, and help out. On Friday night, there was a welcome feast at Thunderbird House, and the room was packed to overflowing. Leaders from the Yinka Dene Alliance told powerful stories of why they were on the train, and why their train ride was needed, and what was at risk. On Saturday, under perfect weather conditions at The Forks, a water ceremony was held, with more speakers. Water from the west coast, and the different territories they’d crossed was mixed with water from Manitoba, Ontario, and Treaty 1 territory. Some of it was poured out on the grounds at the ceremony, and the rest went back on the train, to continue to their destination.

The Yinka Dene Alliance, a group of First Nations from BC, has made the decision that the long-term risks of a pipeline across their lands is too great. The chance of a leaking pipeline, increasing tanker traffic on the rugged B.C. coast, and the continued expansion of the fossil fuel industry are just some of things the Yinka Dene do not agree with, and why they say NO! They are taking the train to Enbridge’s Shareholder meeting in Toronto, to tell Enbridge they can not build the Northern Gateway pipeline across their territory. Along the way they are encouraging people to speak up, and ally with them to make sure our natural world has a future.

In Manitoba, the battle over tar sands expansion and pipelines is not a common point of discussion. The Freedom Train stop in Winnipeg provided a chance for local people to voice their support for the Yinka Dene, who are on the front line defending Canada’s natural heritage.

Local First Nations communities took part in the events this weekend, and I was very happy to see Elders from Hollow Water speaking on Saturday. I ended up chatting to folks from Hollow Water about many new projects underway at Hollow Water, as we supported the Yinka Dene Alliance.

For me, everything was tied together outside my pickup, as the Yinka Dene were excited over my caribou. In Canada, from coast to coast, we share nature, and water, and a life built upon the healthy wilderness and nature that surrounds us. We share the animals, and the desires for a prosperous future. The Yinka Dene Freedom train is about joining together to take a stand for our lands and waters, about freeing ourselves from the destructive development practices. There are different threats everywhere, but people across the world are fighting the same fight. Supporting each other gives us the strength we need for this work.

— Eric