DFO Offices in Vancouver Occupied in Solidarity with Heiltsuk

Two of the people participating in the occupation of the Vancouver DFO offices, March 30, 2015.

by Warrior Publications, March 30, 2015

During a solidarity rally with the Heiltsuk occupation of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) office on Denny Island, near Bella Bella, BC, 4 protesters also began an occupation of the DFO offices in Vancouver, BC, on Monday, March 30, 2015.  Outside the building, around 50 people rallied and blocked the streets.  The offices are located near the intersection of Burrard and West Pender streets.

Blocking the streets outside the Vancouver DFO offices, March 30, 2015.

The Heiltsuk occupied the DFO office on Denny Island beginning Sunday, March 29, 2015, against the DFO’s announcement of a commercial herring fishery.  The Heiltsuk assert that the herring fishery should be stopped in order to protect a dwindling stock of herring and herring row, an important food item for many First Nations on the west coast.

Outside the Vancouver DFO offices, March 30, 2015.

A short video of the rally outside the Vancouver DFO offices:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/bZnM0LXHJow“>

Heiltsuk Solidarity – Protest At The Department Of Fisheries Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1603618926519818/

Update:  As of 5:00 PM from social media reports it appears the occupation has ended, no arrests were made, and the rally has dispersed.