In opposition to war, racism, imperialism and genocide
In solidarity with self-determination struggles and indigenous sovereignty
In defense of immigrant and native rights
Majors Hill Park
Across from the American Embassy
June 27, 2002, 1pm
OTTAWA
The leaders of the G8 - the executive board of global capitalism - will be retreating to the hills of Kananaskis on June 26 & 27. Surrounded by golf courses, pristine wilderness and thousands of soldiers, part of their declared agenda includes the so-called "War on Terrorism."
Their self-serving war has meant state terrorism against civilian populations throughout the global South, including Afghanistan, Palestine, Iraq, Somalia, Colombia, the Philippines and elsewhere. The same war on terrorism has also meant the increasing criminalization of immigrants and refugees in North America, with recent security and immigration laws used as a pretext to marginalize and further scapegoat vulnerable communities.
The new "war on terror" is really something very old - the continuance of systematic policies of exploitation and dispossession. These are policies well understood by North America's indigenous populations, the victims of a concerted policy of genocide for hundreds of years.
On June 27, the G8 leaders continue their plans for war - at home and abroad. In response, we will come together in clear solidarity with resistance movements worldwide and in our communities. We unite in opposition to the agenda of exclusion, marginalization and exploitation embodied by the policies of G8 nations. We also stand together in solidarity with the courageous struggles for self-determination, dignity and justice, from the camps of the West Bank to the indigenous communities of Turtle Island; from the streets of Buenos Aires to the the jungles of Chiapas.
Join us in Ottawa on Thursday, June 27 as we march and display together our flags and symbols of resistance. From the American Embassy to Parliament Hill, we will declare: "No one is illegal!"
[info: takethecapital@tao.ca or 613-788-3310; ENDORSERS LISTED BELOW]
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The Character and Tone of the NO ONE IS ILLEGAL March (Please Read) --
The NO ONE IS ILLEGAL march will include diverse groups and individuals (over 80 endorsing groups to date) who will come together to speak out against war, imperialism, racism and genocide, and to stand in solidarity with immigrants, refugees and all those who struggle for their self-determination. The march occurs while the leaders of the G8 nations -- including George Bush and Tony Blair -- continue their plans for war surrounded by police and soldiers in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta.
The NO ONE IS ILLEGAL march will be gathering at Majors Hill Park, across from the American Embassy, at 1pm on June 27, 2002 in Ottawa. We will be marching through the streets of Ottawa, stopping briefly at various embassies and government buildings, and ending at Parliament Hill. Throughout the march, we will hear words of resistance, through speeches, poetry and music, as well as our collective voices, banners and flags.
There is no requirement to ask for permission to march in public spaces in Canada, a right guaranteed by the Charter. This is an important principle, and the basis on which NO ONE IS ILLEGAL will be openly marching on the streets of Ottawa.
We remind participants in the NO ONE IS ILLEGAL march to be respectful of the fact that the march will NOT involve civil disobedience or direct action, and will be physically non-confrontational.
NO ONE IS ILLEGAL is part of the TAKE THE CAPITAL Days of Action, and is organized in solidarity with the diverse actions against the G8 taking place at other places and times. However, the NO ONE IS ILLEGAL march itself will not be involving civil disobedience or direct action.
Importantly, the NO ONE IS ILLEGAL demonstration takes place in solidarity with, and with the participation of, communities that are particularly targeted by the racist laws and practices of the Canadian state. We ask that people be aware of the higher risks that certain groups and individuals face -- particularly communities of colour, and immigrant communities -- and to act in solidarity with these groups during the NO ONE IS ILLEGAL march by not compromising their safety.
We ask also that demo participants be aware of the potential for provocation from the police, as well as individuals -- the various defenders of state violence, war and colonialism -- who want to provoke those of us who stand up for justice and dignity. We ask all participants in the NO ONE IS ILLEGAL march to be mindful of each other's safety and security, and to act in a manner that maintains our unity and solidarity, and respects the character and tone of the NO ONE IS ILLEGAL march.
The NO ONE IS ILLEGAL march is a child-friendly event, and encourages the full participation of all members of our communities who oppose the self- serving "War on Terror".
We come together in solidarity with immigrant refugee communities, in support of struggles for self-determination, and in defence all those who fight for justice and dignity. On June 27 we come together to assert and declare, NO ONE IS ILLEGAL! This is just the beginning ...
In solidarity and struggle, the organizers of NO ONE IS ILLEGAL and TAKE THE CAPITAL
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Endorsing groups (to date):
To endorse this callout, or to help mobilize, please contact the organizers of "Take the Capital!".
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TAKE THE CAPITAL!
Ottawa Actions Against the G8
June 26-27, 2002
http://www.takethecapital.net/
mailto: takethecapital@tao.ca
613-788-3310 (messages only)
on parle francais.
se habla espanol.