The Thompson Rivers University student newspaper reports on the Kamloops Peace Walk that took place on May 5 with more than 250 participants. “Music and speeches, poems and art were presented in preparation for the walk around the downtown core to promote peace, social justice and the environment.”
“According to Anita Strong, member of the Council of Canadians, the co-sponsor of the event for the last 13 years, the goal of the day is more than awareness, but to call people to action. ‘I think the people go away from an event like this and get inspired to do something, to join a group, to speak out,’ said Strong. ‘It makes me really happy that there is this kind of support,’ she said.”
“The issues discussed also came from a local level. Much of the art and many of the presentations were regarding the proposed KGHM Ajax mine, an open-pit copper and gold mine located 50 percent within Kamloops’ south east city limits.” One of the speakers on May 5 was Athena Gradwell, “a local activist who has spoken out against Ajax…”
“Having described the battle of peace, the swelling crowd took to Battle Street to begin the march around the downtown core. …Upon their return (to Stuart Wood Elementary School where the walk began), the crowd was treated with the sounds of local Kamloops band Caliente, who was crooning, ‘I am everyday people'” which was befitting a gathering promoting peace and equality.”
To read more about the Kamloops chapter’s opposition to the plan by KGHM Ajax Mining Inc. to mine for copper and gold near Jacko Lake – and the associated rerouting of Peterson Creek and the tailings pond which could destroy nearby Inks Lake – go to http://canadians.org/blog/?p=6508.
