direct action to protect us

Direct action works. It highlights injustice, is non-violent, visible and effective. We will need to do more of this type of direct action here to protect our sacred lands and rivers.

In Northern California the Karuk people are protecting their sacred sites. From The Ruckus Society

"This morning the Klamath Justice Coalition used a human blockade to defend Karuk sacred sites from logging activities. The action took place near Orleans, CA within the Six Rivers National Forest and halted work on the Orleans Community Fuels Reduction Plan."

"Originally, Forest Supervisor Tryone Kelly engaged with community members on a collaborative process to develop a fuels reduction plan that would protect sacred areas, reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, and protect sensitive stands of hardwoods. However, in practice it looks like another timber harvest that disregards the concerns of the community."

“We are shocked that the Forest Service thinks that it can get away with lying to our community. We want fuels reduction, but we will not accept the destruction of Karuk sacred sites or a timber sale disguised as a fuels reduction plan,” added Annelia Hillman."

and from The Seattle Times

"Tribal spokesman Craig Tucker said the tribe spent three years working with the Forest Service to be sure the thinning project near Orleans, Calif., did not cut big trees or run heavy equipment where world renewal ceremonies are performed, only to see it ignore the agreement.

"We're not saying don't cut any trees," said Tucker. "We are saying just do what you agreed to that we spent three years working out, and stressed every step of the way how important this place is from the tribe's religious perspective."

and what was the reason that the tribes wishes were disregarded?

"This was just an oversight," Kelley said, adding no one would be disciplined. "When the tribe brought it to our attention the first week of logging, we started working with the tribe to mitigate impacts."

Oh that's all right then - bloody hell that was after three years of negotiation, do you really think this muppet didn't know the impact of what he was doing? Of course he did - he just didn't care.

Creating firebreaks is good work. Disrespecting and deceiving indigenous people is not okay for anyone and is stupidity. The indigenous people have lived and used their trails and sacred places for generations, they know and understand the land and what it needs. And that worldview can incorporate the current high intensity forestry that is the modern way.

Listen to the people that know and stop treating them as if they don't exist.

Our issue is mining here. How many open wounds will it take to get people involved. I imagine a response similar to the springbok tour, where many groups with a common concern, work together  in direct action to effect change and right a wrong. We will need that type of emotional connection to stop them.

Hat tip Intercontinental Cry