If We Had a Million Dollars This is What We'd Do

RAVEN (Respecting Aboriginal Values and Environmental Needs) raises legal defence funds for Indigenous Peoples to defend their constitutional rights.  In an email they wrote, "Our strategic approach is working: we’re riding wave after wave of victories in the courts. We’re part of a groundbreaking movement that is putting a stop to unsustainable industrial development, and putting reconciliation into action."

Here is their list of successes for 2017:

One Million Dollars has been raised from 8293 donations from 14 nations to fund the legal costs of 7 cases.

Victory in the Peel!

75% of the Yukon’s vast Peel Watershed is now protected from mining, oil and gas.  Tr’ondek Hwech’in, Vuntut Gwitchin and Na-cho Nyak Dun First Nations achieve a unanimous Supreme Court Victory thanks to donations to RAVEN in the amount of $120,000.

Tar Sands on Trial!

We’re supporting the Beaver Lake Cree as they stand up to tar sands giants based on infringement of their Indigenous treaty rights.  A win would seriously curtail tar sands extraction, overturning business as usual to secure a liveable climate.  So far $192,551 has been raised.

Taseko Defeated!

In Tsilhqot’in Nation vs. Taseko, the Federal court ruled in favour of Indigenous Peoples against a proposed gold and copper mine underneath Teztan Biny (Fish Lake).  $71,900 was raised.

Pull Together Thrives

Pull Together supports the Tsleil-Waututh, Coldwater, Squamish and Seewepemc Nations’ legal challenges to the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline.  We’re using the power of the crowd to beat Big Oil and stand strong as allies with Indigenous Peoples.  $625,000 raised.

Wild for Salmon

We’re standing with Nations along the Skeena River in their efforts to protect Lelu Island and the mighty Skeena salmon.  $191,700 raised.

Heiltsuk Case Launched

After a historic win against Enbridge in 2016, the Heiltsu Nation are gathering force to take on the federal government and Kirby Corp. over the devastating Nathan E. Stewart spill in the Great Bear Rainforest.  RAVEN is behind them every step of the way.   $97,500 raised.

Circle of Allies Grows

A circle of 300+ people keep RAVEN’s heart beating strong with monthly donations so we can uphold long term commitments to our Indigenous partners.

After all the bad news this year, I was so happy to receive this email and know that my monthly donation, joined with others who are fighting in the courts has made a difference in protecting our Mother Earth. 

You can check it all out yourself here.