Help Save Fish Lake From Acid Waste! Williams Lake, BC

RAVEN currently supports the Tsilhqot'in National Government and Xeni Gwet'in First Nation in their legal action against Taseko Mines Prosperity Project which proposes to turn a pristine lake (Fish Lake) into a dump site for acid waste rock. One way is to expose the issue through a short film that will be presented to the review panel. The funds will go directly and 100% to the cost of editing this film. http://www.protectfishlake.ca/

"This is a huge national issue. The practice of turning our fresh water lakes into a toxic waste dump is a matter that concerns all Canadians - there are 20 more lakes across Canada facing the same fate as Teztan Biny." — Chief Marilyn Baptiste of the Xeni Gwet'in First

The mine must be turned down - and to do this we must convince the environmental review panel of the significant, irrefutable impacts the project will have. One way is to expose the issue through a short film that will be presented to the review panel. The film's footage captures the beauty of the environment and also the emotion of the people who still use this lake for their livelihood. Video is a powerful tool, and when you combine the people, in their place, with their music and the power of their words, magic happens.

For example, this from Xeni Gwet'in councillor Lois Williams: "It's like the death of our people in a way. The way I see it, it's a form of genocide. You know, some people may not see it that way but I do, because we depend on this lake, we survive from it, and our ancestors...they survived from it.

This film can make a difference.  The destruction of Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) and Nabas (Little Fish Lake) would be an unfathomable cultural and spiritual loss for the Tsilhqot'in people that could not be compensated.  And the total destruction of the lake and watershed cannot be compensated ecologically either.

With panel hearings set to begin early next year, we must make the film now to be ready to present.  We also want to cut the film down to shorter, more YouTube friendly lengths to raise awareness of this crucial national water issue. Your support will help us to complete this video and create a beautiful and telling record of this lake and the people who depend on it.

The funds will go directly and 100% to the cost of editing this film. The video was already shot with funds from Ducks Unlimited. It will cost $6,450 to edit the film to show the review panel. And we have budgeted another $1800 to cut the film down to shorter versions for social marketing.