First Climate Strike
On Friday, Sept 20th, I attended the first climate strike in Victoria of the global climate strike week! We blocked the intersection at Belleville and Government to peacefully protest for the earth and its many inhabitants. We were there to support the global climate strikers worldwide, the environment, and indigenous peoples who’s communities and ways of life are being affected by this crisis.

Why I Attended
As a participant and an observer, I was able to see the reasons for activists showing up and spearheading the event. There were different speakers who expressed their desire, and the dire need, to move away from fossil fuels. They did so through theatre, music, traditional speech, poetry, and dance. There were first nations speakers who expressed their concern about the impacts of a pipeline being built through their communities, and how this will negative effect some food sources they rely upon. I attended this strike to educate myself and stand in solidarity. As an environmentally conscious person, I had to be there. I really love this earth; its landscapes, animals, and most of the people who inhabit it. I want to be a part of the change towards a cleaner world, and if we can’t get there I can be content knowing that I tried to make it possible.

I wish I had seen more people from my cohort there. Although, many folks didn’t realize the strike had started. I think many people thought it was only on Friday, September 27th. As an educator, I really believe that it’s my duty to show up as an ally for the environment, and any one else who needs support in this crisis.

A Note on the Haters
While at the protest I was also able to create a little chalk art piece. Creating this gave me insight into some opposing views of climate change, and the types of aggression that accompany it. Some people walked over my chalk art piece, stomped on it while I was working, scoffed and swore at it and myself, and whispered passive aggressive phrases at me under their breath while walking by. It really is interesting how much hate some people have towards those who are trying to make the world a better place. I would love to have the opportunity to discuss with them why they have such anger and hatred towards environmentalist types. In the past when I’ve tried this, I am often met with hostility, so I didn’t engage this time. There was also a man who was wearing a shirt that read, “I LOVE FOSSIL FUELS”. He marched around the protest, smiling, challenging mostly younger students on their beliefs. Metaphorically, this man represented what we are fighting in the world – the insertion of ignorance and denial into a peaceful gathering of live beings.

• Verbal consent to use photos for this online class blog was provided by those in the photos