Say No! Kinder Morgan: Vancouver’s Powerful Stand Against the Pipeline

 Say No! Kinder Morgan: Vancouver’s Powerful Stand Against the Pipeline

Thousands of people gathered in downtown Vancouver for one of the largest protests in the city’s history—Say No! Kinder Morgan. It was a day of unity, resistance, and a powerful call to action against the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. From the Vancouver Art Gallery to English Bay, the streets were alive with chants, music, and a sea of banners demanding climate justice and Indigenous sovereignty.

A Movement for the People, by the People

This wasn’t just any protest—it was an intergenerational, intersectional movement. People of all ages took to the streets: elders walking alongside children, students marching beside environmentalists, and longtime activists joining first-time protesters. The diversity of voices reflected a shared commitment to protecting the land, water, and future generations.

At the heart of the rally were Indigenous leaders, particularly from the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, and Musqueam Nations, who have been resisting this project since its inception. They reaffirmed their stance: "No consent means no pipeline." The rally echoed their ongoing legal battle, as leaders called for a class action lawsuit against the Canadian government for violating Indigenous rights and failing to uphold climate commitments.

A Protest Filled with Art, Music, and Powerful Messages

The creativity on display was breathtaking. Protesters carried hand-painted banners featuring animals like orcas, salmon, and bears, symbolizing the rich biodiversity at risk from potential oil spills. Drummers and singers led chants, filling the air with energy and purpose. Some signs carried urgent messages:

• "Water is Life!"
• "Protect What You Love"
• "No Consent, No Pipeline!"
• "Trudeau, You Promised!"

The crowd moved as one from the Vancouver Art Gallery, down to English Bay, turning the city into a living, breathing demonstration of resistance.

The Call for a Class Action Lawsuit

One of the most significant moments of the protest was the call for a class action lawsuit against the Canadian government and Kinder Morgan (now Trans Mountain). Indigenous leaders and legal experts spoke about how the pipeline violates treaty rights, endangers communities, and contradicts Canada’s climate commitments. The message was clear: if politicians won’t listen, they will be taken to court.

A Defining Moment in Vancouver’s Activism

Say No! Kinder Morgan wasn’t just a protest—it was a defining moment in Vancouver’s long history of environmental activism. It sent a message to the world: the people of British Columbia will not stand by while corporations and governments sacrifice our future for profit.

What’s Next?

The fight continues. Indigenous nations are still leading the resistance, and activists are exploring every possible avenue—legal, political, and direct action—to stop the project. If you want to support the movement, consider:

• Donating to Indigenous legal funds
• Joining climate justice organizations
• Pressuring politicians to invest in sustainable energy
• Attending future rallies and spreading awareness