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Ceci Fights the Pipelines

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As many of you know, Ceci was arrested last on May 8, 2017 while helping to shut down a Chase Bank branch in our neighborhood. This is very different for Ceci.

Ceci is a midwife and healer, and takes her responsibility to heal, not just individuals, but the planet itself, seriously. She was inspired to take part in this action by the brave Water Protectors in North Dakota who were fighting the routing of an oil pipeline underneath their water supply and through some of their sacred lands. Ceci wanted to stand in solidarity with them. Chase Bank provides credit that allows the pipeline company to build their oil pipeline. Shutting down Chase's local branches was one way to make clear to them that we will no longer tolerate their collusion in the abuse of Native peoples and our lands.

Ceci was charged with Criminal Trespass, and her next court date is scheduled for June 4, 2018.

While the the organization that sponsored this action, 350 Seattle, has tried to find pro bono legal representation for all 26 individuals who were arrested, such representation is limited. Ceci and I have decided to try to foot her legal bills ourselves and leave the limited pro bono representation for the activists who have dedicated themselves to this fight and who are consequently living closer to poverty. In that sense, Ceci's legal fees are a contribution to the fight against climate change and against the rapacious corporations that profit from the destruction of our planet and the displacement and denigration of, not just Native People, but vulnerable people everywhere.

This fight is not cheap, but it benefits all of us. So we are turning to you to ask for help doing this.

They told us that legal representation would cost up to $5000.00, so we set that as our fundraising goal. Ceci and I are on the hook for the full amount regardless. But your helping would make our burden lighter. It would also be a clear statement that you personally recognize the injustice and violence inherent in our addiction to fossil fuels, and that you support the people everywhere who are resisting it.

If we are very fortunate and raise more than the cost for legal counsel, we will donate any remaining funds to 350 Seattle to help others doing this critical work for all of us.

We do not ask this lightly. While this is specifically a fundraising effort for Ceci's legal defense, it is also your chance to consider the places you love and be part of a larger movement to defend them. There comes a time when what was once considered normal–be it slavery, a sweatshop, or sexual harassment–is seen to be profoundly immoral. That time has come for fossil fuels. When it comes to protecting our mother earth, who gives us life, this is only the beginning of what we can do.

Please help.

And please share this with your networks. It is time to rise.
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Donations 

  • Carol Poole
    • $25 
    • 6 yrs
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Organizer

Paul Birkeland
Organizer
Seattle, WA

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