JUUstice Washington

A Unitarian Universalist State Action Network

Conversation with Sam Mace of Save Our wild Salmon and Elliott Moffett and Julian Matthews of the Niimipuu/Nez Perce, Feb. 18, 1 pm

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Photo Credit: NOAA

Earlier this month, U.S. Representative Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) released a visionary proposal to restore abundant salmon and steelhead to our region and strengthen Northwest communities.

Join Backbone Campaign to discuss what this means for wild salmon and the regional economy, in a Conversation with Sam Mace of Save Our wild Salmon and Elliott Moffett and Julian Matthews of the Niimipuu/Nez Perce.

Thursday, Feb. 18th
1pm Pacific / 4pm Eastern
RSVP TODAY

We celebrate Representative Simpson’s courage. The people of the Pacific NW have shifted culture by taking visible actions to protect what we love, because the fate of our beloved resident orca depends on salmon from the Columbia-Snake River ecosystem. By breaching the dams – removing the earthen berm barriers impeding a free flowing Snake – scientists believe we can significantly impact runs of wild salmon. These salmon are critical food for the Salish Sea’s resident orca.

We have always acknowledged that the farmers and shippers who depend on the River need to be part of a recovery plan:

Hear some of our talking points in this short video at a Human Orca Mural we did in Spokane.

Learn more about Grain Train and how it can help farmers along the Snake in this Conversation we had with Ken Casavant, awhile back.

Check out Rep Simpson’s Legislative Framework

Stay updated on this issue with our friends at Save Our wild Salmon

Check out the extensive article by Lynda Mapes of the Seattle Times

Thanks to Representative Simpson’s leadership – as well as much work by grassroots organizers, including Elliott Moffett, Julian Matthews (Nimiipuu/Nez Perce); Joseph Bogaard and Sam Mace (SOS); Michelle Seidelman in Portland; and many others, we are celebrating the future of a wild Snake River, with benefits for all.

Feeling Powerless About Coronavirus? Join a Mutual Aid Network

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New York Times – Washington Post – LA Magazine – Boston Magazine

Mutual aid is a form of community and political action – it’s when neighbors work to collectively take care of each other, in recognition that solidarity and interconnected survival is absolutely crucial. Mutual aid has been a long-standing practice, especially for Black, Indigenous, and immigrant communities systematically harmed by and neglected by the state. It is about helping others without judgment, strings, or means-testing, and fighting for a future of collective care and solidarity.

Currently, hundreds of mutual aid groups are organizing to distribute groceries, PPE, medicines, and baby supplies to their neighbors, to help with rent relief where possible, to disseminate critical information, and much more.

Mutual Aid Hub

For months, Town Hall Project has been supporting this movement through Mutual Aid Hub, connecting people to their local community groups, collecting resources, and bringing mutual aid organizers in best practice conversations together. As this pandemic continues and so many lives and livelihoods are disrupted, their work is more important than ever.
Directly donate to local mutual aid networks here. Town Hall Project does not take any percentage of these contributions – all goes directly to community groups and their work.

If you can’t find a group close to you or you want to learn more, volunteer, get in touch, search your zip code on Mutual Aid Hub.

Food Justice Film Festival 2020

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Food is a big deal and the films presented in this festival will reveal the link between environmental injustice, climate change, food insecurity and white supremacy.  The award-winning films will include “Gather,” “Invisible Vegan,” “Dolores” and “Urban Root”.   In addition the films, there will be interviews with the filmmakers themselves.  Each film will be available for 24 hours each day of the festival timeframe.  And, they are free!  Sponsored by The Center for Biological Diversity.

REGISTRATION & MORE INFO

Webinar on Agriculture, Food and Climate

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On September 15 a webinar on agriculture, food and climate will cover issues of land use, soil policies, food supply, environmental justice and climate change. The webinar is sponsored by the EU Delegation to the U.S. (European Union Embassy) in DC. Registration is free, at https://events.euintheus.org/events/bringing-farmers-to-the-table-agriculture-climate-economy-and-equity/?sf128592465=1

28 Organizations Promoting Indigenous Food Sovereignty

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The world’s Indigenous Peoples face severe and disproportionate rates of food insecurity. While Indigenous Peoples comprise 5 percent of the world’s population, they account for 15 percent of the world’s poor, according to the World Health Organization.

But through seed saving initiatives, financial support, mentorship, and community feeding programs, many organizations are working to protect Indigenous food sovereignty—the ability to grow, eat, and share food according to their own traditions and values.

Read more here.