Logging still hasn’t begun in Blackwater Creek, and protestors are now taking creative measures to protect the 31-hectare parcel of land, organizing a four-day fundraiser over the Labour Day long weekend.
The Blackwater Stewardship group is a community organization that opposes cutting in the area for environmental and cultural reasons.
Group members believe the land should be protected because it is home to the rare pine mushroom, which the N’Quatqua people have traditionally harvested for cultural use and sale.
They also say logging could endanger spotted owl habitat and damage an old growth forest.
Mariko Kage, member of the Blackwater Stewardship group, said after almost 14 weeks of peaceful protest, the group is now planning an event to “inspire people to get more involved” in saving the land.
The four-day fundraiser, which is sponsored by the Western Canada Wilderness Committee and Solstice Organics, will be held over the Labour Day long weekend to help raise awareness and funds to support their cause.
The drug and alcohol-free event, called “One,” kicks off on Friday, Aug. 31 at the Blackwater Lake campground, and will feature dancing, drumming, music and other entertainment by local performers, as well as yoga and meditation activities.
Kostaman and The Vibrations, The Tribal Bunch and DJ Kumba, and DJ Belove are some of the performers scheduled to participate in the weekend’s events.
A portion of proceeds from the event will go towards a claim being filed in an international court of law to reclaim the Blackwater land as St’at’imc territory. Carol Thervarge is spearheading the legal efforts.
The rest of the funds raised by “One” will go towards a new project called TCUP, in the Blackwater Creek area, which aims to help educate youth on traditional and cultural issues.
More information and complete listings for the fundraiser can be found at www.saveblackwaterbc.org .
