View from Across the Pond: The Olympic Torch Relay “celebrations” in Victoria, Coast Salish Territory, BC

tamara — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:08:01 +0000

As the 2010 Olympic Winter Games approach, opposition and resistance are rising. On the British Columbia mainland, the Games have already resulted in infrastructure development on unceded Native land, environmental destruction, gentrification and the repression of anti-Olympic organizers.

But the issues at stake in Vancouver also resonate on Vancouver Island. The Olympic Torch Relay begins in Victoria with a day of celebrations before embarking on a 45,000 km journey. The City of Victoria´s controversial decision to spend $500,000 on the Torch Relay festivities comes at a time when urban poverty is escalating.

Local anti-poverty groups are opposing the Olympic Torch Relay, drawing attention to issues that include First Nations´ rights, homelessness, harm reduction and sex workers´ rights. Opposition to the Torch Relay raises important questions that go beyond the Olympic festivities and touch on deeper issues of poverty and injustice in BC´s capital region.

To interview and consult:
- Native Friendship Centre
- Harm Reduction Victoria
- Committee to End Homelessness
- PEERS
- City Counsellor Philippe Lucas
- City “Torch Relay” organizer
- Members of 2010 Victoria

Writing Samples:

http://vancouver.mediacoop.ca/story/1769 http://canadiandimension.com/articles/1925/

About the Author:

I have written for the Dominion

I am a student

Number of articles published for the Media Co-op to date:

Email Address:

tamaravherman@gmail.com

One-line bio:

Tamara Herman is a researcher, community organizer and graduate student currently based in Victoria, Coast Salish Territories, BC.