Standing Together for the Land: Taking on Bill 5

Ontario’s recently passed Bill 5 is an affront to Indigenous rights, Natural Law, and nature’s protection.

We invite you to join us from Sept 26 – 30 in Kingston to learn more about Bill 5 and actions we can all take against Bill 5, in solidarity with Indigenous land protectors.

Event Schedule

Welcome and Opening Ceremony

Friday Sept 26 at 9 – 11 am
For invited guests only.

Community Paddle

Saturday Sept 27 at 9:30 am
Lower Brewer’s Lock

Together with local Indigenous partners and community groups, we will paddle in solidarity with Indigenous land protectors safeguarding the many rivers and watersheds where the Ring of Fire is proposed.

Can’t join us but want to show your support? We encourage you to paddle a lake, river or creek where you live and tag us on social media @naturesdefence using the hashtags #SolidarityPaddle #PaddleTogether #TakeOnBill5

Registration required: Limited space. Please check back soon to register! 

Raising Our Voices – A Community Concert

Sunday Sept 28 at 7:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30)
The Spire, 82 Sydenham St., Kingston, Ontario
Event Poster

Featuring music, short talks, and theatre!

Recently passed Ontario Bill 5 allows the government to exempt entire regions from provincial laws and environmental safeguards through the creation of “Special Economic Zones.” One proposed Special Economic Zone is in the ‘Ring of Fire’ – the name given to a mineral-rich area in Treaty 9 lands in Northern Ontario. These lands and waters are home to the Omushkego Cree and among the world’s last and remaining intact peatlands.

Come hear from the Indigenous grassroots and youth organizers who, together with allies, are calling for the repeal of Bill 5 and to protect the land and honour Treaty promises.  While you’re at it, enjoy music by Sarah Harmer and Kakaow, some improv, and more.

With Special Guests: Ramon Kataquapit, musicians Kakaow and Sarah Harmer

Ticket information: $25 or pay what you can | The Spire 

Indigenous Perspectives on Bill 5 – A Public Lecture and Film Screening

Monday Sept 29 at 6:30 pm
Isabel Bader Centre, 390 King St. West, Kingston, Ontario
Event poster

In this public lecture, hear from keynote speaker Ramon Kataquapit, the founder of the Indigenous-youth movement, Okiniwak, members of the Indigenous grassroots organization the Friends of the Attawapiskat River and environmental lawyer Kerrie Blaise, founder of the environmental law non-profit Legal Advocates for Nature’s Defence (LAND). Learn about their efforts to challenge Bill 5, including recent litigation.

The evening will also feature a screening of our new short film featuring stories recorded during our time spent in the Treaty 9 region of Northern Ontario where the Ring of Fire is proposed.

Questions and dialogue will be encouraged.

Tickets are FREE but please register in advance as space is limited!

Learn More 

• Live action alert to repeal Bill 5
• Bill 5 blog on protecting rights of communities and nature
• Bill 5 an ‘unjustified attack on nature and Indigenous rights’ media statement
• Letter sent by 6000+ concerned people urging the province to Stop Bill 5
• Our submission to the Bill 5 Standing Committee
• Watch our remarks from Queen’s Park
• New 5-part legal series to inform you about actions you can take to uphold environmental justice and Indigenous rights

Ways You Can Support

• Share our event poster
• Attend one or all of our events!
• Make a donation to support Indigenous grassroots and youth land protectors! Donations will support LAND’s Bill 5 litigation and efforts of the Here We Stand, Okiniwak and Mahmo Inninuwuk Wiibuseegostamok (Uniting the People to Stand Together) youth movements and the Friends of the Attawapiskat River.