#LandBack Swag: Indigenous artists fundraise to support Wet’suwet’en land defenders

For weeks now, activists, allies, and artists have answered a call for solidarity from the Wet’suwet’en nation. Their unceded lands are still being invaded and occupied by Canada’s militarized police to make way for a gas pipeline, but it’s clear that the pressure is having an effect. Trudeau’s hand is being forced as Indigenous people and allies continue to #ShutDownCanada and disrupt business as usual through solidarity actions such as rail and port blockades, office occupations, and dozens of massive demonstrations. Canada must soon face its genocidal foundations and its addiction to resource extraction above all.

The Unist’ot’en Camp have released a toolkit for supporters with clear suggestions about how to organize actions, come to the land as a protector, and build solidarity.

Of course, defending against a heavily armed and antagonistic state is not cheap — legal fees, increased food and shelter needs, sustained media mobilization and the oncoming spring thaw mean that direct donations to the Wet’suwet’en people may be the best way to do your part in this momentous struggle. Of course, skills can create new momentum for resources as well. Indigenous and settler artists have been putting using their craft to multiply their contribution, selling everything from patches and prints to tradition-steeped jewellery — all to raise profits and make larger donations. Some have even created an Artists In Solidarity Instagram page to coordinate efforts, while others open offerings within their own networks and communities.

There are tons of ways to help. If you want to make a donation but also support grassroots creative action, wear your solidarity, and build relationships of support with Indigenous artists, consider putting some dollars into some of the projects currently raising funds for the Wet’suwet’en struggle and related actions.

#LandBack Swag: Indigenous artists fundraise to support Wet’suwet’en land defenders

Annie Morgan

artists.in.solidarity

the.beads.knees

Sweetgrass & Sage

Anna Leone

Northern Oak Designs

LoveAlaskaDesigns

AYO

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7egQM8ga4p/

Jay Demicah Designs

Perry Rath