Acrid Air And The Salish Sea
A group of tribal members and allies gathered in the Pacific Northwest to protest against Kinder Morgan’s plan to build the Transmountain Pipeline, which would further stress an already fragile and ailing ecosystem with over 1 million barrels of tar sand oil a day. The group rallied near the Shell oil refinery in Anacortes, WA. This refinery is one of the places that will process the fuel from the pipeline.
The air was filled with acrid smoke and an unpleasant smell as the billowing smoke from the refinery’s gargantuan metal chimneys formed giant clouds. Kayaktivists and indigenous canoe families took to the water in a connected protest, swarming around the Oil Tankers in the bay. Those in the water then planned to meet and break bread with those marching, sharing stories and their passion for protecting the Salish Sea
The Protectors of the Salish Sea organized this event, and the group’s head, Paul Chiyokten Wagner, emphasized the need to work together to complete the fight against the pipeline, that everyone was affected. Even the nearby city of La Conner, which has, we were told, one of the highest cancer rates in the country. Paul spoke of the potential of an oil spill that would have a devastating effect on all life in the Puget Sound region. Wagner urged transitioning to green energy sources to secure a future free from climate disasters.
During the protest, two tribal canoes were welcomed ashore in a traditional manner with prayer songs and dances. The kayaktivists swarmed around the canoes in solidarity, highlighting the unity in the fight against the pipeline.
Despite the acrid and “plasticky” air, the enthusiastic group of activists marched with strong convictions, holding creative signs and artwork to raise awareness about the dangers of the Kinder Morgan pipeline and the need to protect our planet. The crowd is determined to stop the dangers of fossil fuels from further destroying the environment and our future.
