INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY
Against illegal U.S. policy of Makah whaling

 

Account of the April 13 event in Vancouver, Canada

 

 

At noon, a group of Canadian activists gathered at the American Consulate in Vancouver. Errol Povah, the man-on-the-scene, put together this event to protest the illegal Makah hunt. The American Consulate was a logical place to gather, as it is the American government that continues to sponsor this illegal hunt, a point made clear by the protestors.

 

Shortly thereafter, private security officers arrived, parking their vehicles directly in front of the group's large sign, in an effort to block them from public view. RCMP officers arrived shortly thereafter.

 

However, the display was very effective. As Errol describes it: "I thought the entrance (to the building housing the U.S. Consulate) would make a perfect backdrop for my 3 X 6 foot Canadian flag and a few carefully-chosen pictures, which included, from left to right, a nice close up of Alberta Thompson, then my famous photo of whaling captain Wayne Johnson, and finally, one of the butchers cutting up Yabis. Under each picture I had written in large felt marker, respectively, "THE GOOD... THE BAD... THE UGLY!"

 

Media representatives showed up for interviews, and there were a number of nice segments done on the protest on radio, TV, as well as print. Most of these can be found quite easily on Vancouver and other Canadian media web sites.

 

To our Vancouver allies, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you, and keep up the fine work!