Editor:
Re: Burnaby residents ask city to get rid of pipeline protest camps outside Trans Mountain terminal, NOW, May 15
I was disappointed with the divisive nature of the article published on May 15. It is disheartening to see classic divide-and-conquer tactics playing out in Burnaby.
The demeanour of the quoted text towards the “homeless” highlighted disturbing stereotypes of different socio-economic statuses. Camp Cloud hosts people whose homes are nowhere and everywhere, some across the ocean, some destroyed by the oil industry and effects of climate change and colonization. Some individuals have homes with warm showers, pets and families but give up that home to stand in solidarity with the residents of Burnaby Mountain trying to protect their homes.
Camp Cloud runs 100 per cent on volunteers and donations; we welcome anyone who wants to offer their skills, time and knowledge to make camp and the world a better place for everyone. There is no discrimination of volunteers based on their socio-economic status, gender, sexuality, colour, religion, age, etc. We are all affected by this issue, and everyone has the same right to participate.
Camp Cloud is intended to be a safe space for all. Safety is of the utmost importance and we would appreciate your assistance in bringing any concerns to the fireside. We acknowledge that we are not perfect; we are doing the best we can with what we got. This is what a grassroots movement looks like. It is not always pretty. But we do believe that together we will win.
Elauna Boutwell, Camp Cloud occupant
