In solidarity with steadfast determination of Lummi Nation | Letters

Cries of support were heard in the stirring documentary, “Our Sacred Obligation”. Thank you to Ken Crawbuck for showing this film as part of his Tragedy of the Commons film series on March 21. Thank you also to the San Juan Island Library for hosting this well-attended event.

“We stand with the Lummi Nation in opposition to the Gateway Pacific coal terminal! Warrior Up!”

These cries of support were heard in the stirring documentary, “Our Sacred Obligation”. Thank you to Ken Crawbuck for showing this film as part of his Tragedy of the Commons film series on March 21.

Thank you also to the San Juan Island Library for hosting this well-attended event. We were fortunate to have Freddie Lane of the Lummi Nation here to present his creation—a film that tells the story of the Lummi and the totem pole they carved to honor the communities living in the path that oil and coal travel, from the mines to export on the Salish Sea.

Robin Everett of the Sierra Club was also at the screening and talked about local grassroots opposition helping to stop 3-out-of-the-5 coal terminals proposed for our region.

Katie Fleming from Friends of the San Juans talked about the Lummi’s recent request of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deny the permit for the proposed coal terminal at Cherry Point, citing its “adverse impacts that cannot be mitigated”.

The film movingly recounted the steadfast determination on the part of First Nations to speak up for the protection of clean air and water for everyone, especially for the next generations. Their “sacred obligation” to do so is inspiring.

Shaun Hubbard/San Juan Island

www.islandersforsafeshipping.org