Donate here: https://fundraise.raventrust.com/fundraiser/3139364

We are happy to announce a fundraising initiative to help fund the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc’s Aboriginal title and rights claim through RAVEN Trust.

We have gathered a group of 12 students who have pledged to take a cold water plunge if, and only if, we can raise enough money! We’ve set incremental goals, but if we reach our goal of $1000, all the students will have to plunge!

RAVEN (Respecting Aboriginal Values & Environmental Needs) Trust is an organization that partners with Indigenous nations seeking support and funding for legal action. They work in collaboration to create campaigns, fundraise and educate. RAVEN will hold the funds we raise in trust and disburse at the direction of the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc to the law firms they work with.

The Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc are taking legal action to secure Aboriginal title to their unceded traditional territory. As students who have the privilege of studying Canadian law on Secwe̓pemc land, we feel it is our duty to support the nation in their pursuit of self-governance and facilitation of healthier economic and resource development.

This court case will set a precedent in determining to what extent private property rights are subject to underlying Aboriginal rights and title rights. This would advance the legal rights of Indigenous peoples and increase the scope of protection available to other First Nations groups seeking to protect their land from threats of private industrial activities.

The date for the cold water plunge will be March 22, coinciding with World Water Day, which is meant for the observance of the value and importance of freshwater. More details to come on where, when and how you can (safely) watch the plunge take place.

Please donate at the link below, and consider sharing this link beyond our network of students.

https://fundraise.raventrust.com/fundraiser/3139364