Documentary Reflection

April 3, 2025 By: Rosie Gartner

The documentary Fairy Creek: The Last Stand highlights one of the largest and longest acts of civil disobedience in recent Canadian history. Ordinary citizens chose to take direct action, and risked their own safety and freedom to challenge policies and practices that were threatening priceless Canadian old growth forests. Watching this powerful documentary reinforced my belief in the power of civil disobedience as a tool for positive change. I remember when the protests started and had I not been pregnant, I would have been there alongside the protestors, standing up for the protection of these ancient forests.
Civil disobedience has played a valuable role in environmental movements throughout history. From the Clayoquot Sound protests of the 1990s to the Fairy Creek blockades, nonviolent resistance draws public attention to issues that policymakers might otherwise ignore.
One of the most compelling aspects of civil disobedience is its ability to galvanize public support. The media coverage of Fairy Creek and the hundreds of arrests that took place amplified the urgency of the issue and put pressure on the government to reconsider its stance on old-growth logging. While the results of the protests are complex, the resistance clearly sparked broader conversations about sustainability, Indigenous land rights, and the need for stronger environmental protections.
Civil disobedience is not without controversy, and critics argue that it can disrupt industries and strain law enforcement resources. However, history has shown that many of the rights and protections we take for granted today—from labour laws to civil rights—were won through peaceful defiance. In the case of Fairy Creek, the protestors embodied this tradition by standing against environmental destruction, even in the face of legal consequences.
I deeply admire the courage and commitment of those participating in the Fairy Creek protests. Their actions remind us that real change often requires sacrifice and persistence. If I had been in a different stage of life then, I would have joined them in their efforts to protect the last remaining stands of old-growth forest. The documentary reaffirmed my belief that civil disobedience remains a necessary and effective means of advocating for a more just and sustainable world.