Justice warriors continue peaceful protest outside of Toronto’s Old City Hall
By Kristin Grant
TORONTO—A week in since the vigil began in front of Toronto’s Old City Hall, spirits are high at The Soaring Eagle Camp. This camp is in reaction to the injustice in the Tina Fontaine and Colten Boushie court cases.
Organizer Koryn John—who has been camping outside since March 4—has been called out of town on a family emergency for a couple of days. This won’t stop the movement as the tight-knit group of justice warriors rally together to keep it going until her return.
Next-door people are skating at Nathan Phillips Square, it is -1 degrees Celsius and large snowflakes are falling, melting as they fall to the ground. An air of positivity and inclusiveness pervades the air along with sage and sweet grass from smudging. There are sounds of laughter and a feeling of comradery as people bond over a shared cause.
There are those who walk on by, busy with their day-to-day lives. The bold and curious come up, ask questions and are immediately welcomed. Those holding down the fort are happy to answer questions about why this is going on. Flyers with more information on the causes are distributed.
Sometimes there are even explanations about the flags, such as for the two-row purple and white wampum flag. This flag represents the Two Row Wampum Belt that records the meaning of the agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Dutch settlers in the 1600s, which declared how the two groups would coexist together.
Visitors to the camp are invited to create a message to burn in a Sacred Fire. There also places for people to sign their names or leave messages on a plain white sheet in front of the camp.
Those working at Old City Hall have been supportive as well.
“We were invited by Justice Greene to come inside Old City Hall before they start their day to smudge every Wednesday and Friday,” John posted on Facebook. “It was such an emotional and powerful moment.”
Social media has been important because they put a call out for things they need.
There are those who show financial support. Throughout the afternoon, several people stopped by with cash donations. These go towards supplies for the camp, which according to organizer Koryn John, was initially utilized for additional chairs, sleeping bags, and signs. The signs vary from calling for justice to proclaiming this a drug and alcohol-free safe space.
Others show support by bringing food. One woman and her daughter rode up on bicycles to deliver a home cooked breakfast of French Toast, eggs, sausage and orange juice. A local business dropped off wraps at end of day. There are donations of coffee to help those braving the cold.
One man also brought the gift of medicines sage and sweet grass. Things are for the most part positive, but if there is anything negative, smudging cleanses the space.
As the workday ends, an impromptu drumming and singing breaks out among the group. This draws attention to the group who other than usual conversation is quiet and peaceful; hopefully bringing more people to come learn about what is going on.
All are welcomed to come by and show support in this fight for justice for our youth. So if you are in the area do come by and add your voice as we speak for those who can no longer speak for themselves.