Thank you to all supporters of legal defense for land defenders!

I'm the founder of the non-profit Vancouver Island Forest Action Network. One of our urgent projects is legal defense for land, water, and the people who protect them.  

The Eco Warriors Legal Trust is a war chest to stop pipelines and a community safety net for those who protect land and water. Vancouver Island Community Forest Action Network (VIC FAN) is calling for donations to help ordinary people taking extraordinary action for the earth.

Robin Gage and the public-interest law firm of Underhill Gage administer the trust at the direction of VIC FAN.

Please donate now. We have hundreds of supporters across Canada and around the world.  

The Fund also accepts cheques payable to "Underhill Gage in trust."

Mail to: VIC FAN c/o UG Law , 816–1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC Canada V8W 2E1

Include a cover letter or memo on the cheque specifying that it's for the Eco Warriors Legal Trust.

A current priority is the Unis'tot'en Clan's re-occupation of their land in the path of the pipelines in Northern BC. The camp is on "Crown land" with a log cabin, bunkhouse, and permaculture garden. They are three pipeline projects bound for Kitimat: Enbridge Northern Gateway, Coastal Gas, and Pacific Trail.

The camp is not breaking any laws, but we are expecting a court application to order the Unis'tot'en people off their land or block supporters from joining them.

Anyone who moves to get an injunction against Unis'tot'en Camp will have to deal with the Legal Defense Fund as well. We've moved to intervene by putting the companies on notice that we will challenge them in court.

The grassroots Wet'suwet'en people are asserting their right and responsibility to defend their land. The Supreme Court has ruled that outside of treaty areas, indigenous people hold title to their own land.

Eyes and ears: If you see something, say something. Send anonymous tips to our secure account at wildcoast(at)riseup.net.

History of the Eco Warriors Legal Trust

The legal fund was established in 2008, and its first test came in 2009 when VIC FAN challenged destruction of indigenous heritage sites. VIC FAN did not prevail over the City of Langford in court, but the case derailed the destructive development of Bear Mountain Resort and its sister project, Skirt Mountain Village.

In 2010, we took on Marine Trail Resort with a legal opinion that put an end to plans for a massive (and illegal) vacation-home subdivision and hundreds of new houses along Juan de Fuca Park, west of China Beach. The project was bitterly opposed by members of the Pacheedaht First Nation and thousands of South Island residents. In the end, we won without even going to court.

For every hero on the front lines, there's a hundred more aiding them, cheering them on, and giving moral support. Please support the eco warriors.Thank you!

Photo: Irene Faulkner (right) and Zoe Blunt