Great Climate Race Crowdfunding for Tsleil-Waututh Nation Solar Project
The Tsleil-Waututh Nation has been a leading voice in opposing the proposed Kinder Morgan pipeline and tanker project. Now they are calling on supporters to help them walk or run and crowdfund for a renewable energy installation in their community to help illustrate the alternatives to increased fossil fuel infrastructure.
“We know many people agree that there is a better way to go than to allow the new Kinder Morgan pipeline and tanker terminal to be built” said Charlene Aleck a spokesperson for the Tsleil Waututh Nation Sacred Trust Initiative. “We are happy to be inviting people to join us in the Great Climate Race to crowdfund for a large solar array in our community that will help provide a model for renewable energy directly across the inlet from the proposed oil tanker terminal. We don’t want this inlet to be the gateway to global warming. We are part of an unbroken wall of opposition to these kinds of projects and a big part of that is doing our part to contribute renewable energy and a vision for a better tomorrow” said Aleck.
The Tsleil-Waututh Nation is building a new administrative building and health centre in North Vancouver which will be completed in Spring of 2017. The project will include a grid-tied solar project that will offset the energy demands of the buildings and put power onto the grid. The plans include an approximately 47,000 kwh a year solar installation. Donations of solar panels for this project have already been made by environmental groups.
“We are delighted to invite native and non-native people to join us to walk or run with us as part of the virtual race anywhere around the world!” said Aleck. “We are excited to know that we already have supporters involved in Australia, India, New York, France, Italy and Japan. This is truly a global movement to highlight a global problem.”.
By getting involved in this race, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and their friends and neighbours intend to communicate the wide spread support for an urgent transition to 100% renewable energy.
Crowdfunding has alredy begun on the Great Climate Race website and will continue with the help of a new app. (sign up to be amongst the first to get the app here: http://GreatClimateRace.org/join)
“Running to raise money for a cause isn’t a new idea but this is a great new twist to be able to give people a way to do something that is good for their health and good for the health of the planet” said Aleck.
“Let’s help everyone understand that expanding our dependence on oil is not only dangerous but it’s unnecessary.”
