In mid December, community members took action in honour of our relatives who sleep outside. This is something that we are trying to make happen because of the visions shared with us from important people in our community. Specifically Mary Richard, founder of Thunderbird house & the family of Matthew Sutherland have come forward and helped with the first 2 tipis. Read more in this news article.
We were horrified when we saw the tipis burning down and then the homelessness camp bulldozed. We know we need to start over again as all people need warmth, we must listen to the voices of our relatives directly. Who’s down to help? We have learned some hard lessons and will improve because of them.
We are going to be doing a number of fundraisers in the coming days to try and get more support for these tipis. One will include a Land Back T-shirt, and the others will be announced soon on AYO social media. We are so grateful for the support that has already been shared with us, from community members especially. We can confirm there will be at least one tipi put back up there by Monday.
Our plan to prevent another tipi from burning: we will now be heating the tipis with granfather rocks and will keep the fire outside of the tipi. Does anyone know where to get big rocks?
& Jackets Too!
Saturday January 18 @ 1:00pm, gently used winter clothing will be accepted at Thunderbird House and hung from trees for community members in this harsh weather. For more information, please contact: Jackie Traverse at creeativenative@hotmail.com
If you want to find other ways to help please speak to the folks living there and ask them what they need!
AYO! Movement - The Blog 