Documentary reflection
March 25, 2024 By: Sam McQuillan-Gordon
Documentary reflection
When I first saw the description for this assignment and read the words “civil disobedience”, “conservation” and “local area” my mind immediately went to the ongoing Fairy Creek Anti-Logging protests that received enormous media coverage during the early 2020s. British Columbia has a long relationship with “save the trees” movements, dating back to the 1960s. However, lumber is still one of B.C’s principal exports so the efficacy of these protests is still open for debate.
The ongoing protests against old-growth logging in the Fairy Creek watershed on Vancouver Island represent a significant moment in Canadian environmental activism. With 882 arrests at the time of the article being written (2021), surpassing the major Clayoquot Sound protests of 1993, these demonstrations highlight the enduring power of civil disobedience in the fight to protect precious ecosystems. (Larsen, 2021)) As I reflected on the history of environmental movements in BC and considered the current protests, I wondered what we might learn from the resilience and determination of those who have come before us.
Civil disobedience has long been a vital tactic in environmental activism, as seen in the Clayoquot Sound protests and now in Fairy Creek. I believe that these acts of defiance send a clear message to governments and corporations that the public demands action to safeguard our natural world. However, the effectiveness of civil disobedience is not without controversy, as seen in the tension between the protesters and the elected leadership of the Pacheedaht First Nation, who have asked for their territory to be respected. (Fagan, 2023)
Personally, I believe that civil disobedience can be a powerful catalyst for change when rooted in principles of justice and respect. For example, the Savage Patch protesters, led by Indigenous voices, exemplify a new wave of activism that prioritizes Indigenous sovereignty and ecological preservation. (Fagan,2023) By standing in solidarity with Indigenous communities and advocating for sustainable logging practices, they challenge the status quo and inspire hope for a more equitable and environmentally conscious future. While civil disobedience is not a silver bullet by any means, it is a constant reminder that people care deeply enough about this issue that they are willing to sacrifice their freedom to fight for it.
“Fairy Creek protest on Vancouver Island now considered largest act of civil disobedience in Canadian history.”
Karin Larsen, CBC News, Sep 09, 2021
“Why protest group ‘Savage Patch’ continues to protest old growth logging in the Fairy Creek injunction area.”
Emily Fagan, CBC News, Aug 18, 2023
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/savage-patch-fairy-creek-1.6941401