Just prior to the Chinese New Year, islanders are invited to occupy Buckley Bay in a festive demonstration of solidarity opposing coal. From the Pacific Northwest to Guangdong, China and beyond, a global uprising is underway. From town to town, and family to family folks are reaching out to one another in solidarity- through shared resistance to the mining, transport, and burning of coal, says a press release from the Comox Valley-based Water Dragon Alliance.
The news of recent, and massive protests in China over the proposed expansion of coal burning plants there, has inspired a diverse group of Comox Valley activists to co-create "Solidarity -Not Compliance!" This outdoor demonstration is scheduled to get underway at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 21st, and widespread participation is encouraged.

Regardless of where coal mined in BC ends up being burned, we know that global warming, water contamination and other risks to human and environmental health know no borders", says Denman Islander Michael Nestor, a member of the Water Dragon Alliance.

Tens of thousands of people have rallied in opposition to the threat of increased coal burning in China in the face of violent repression, says the group's press release. As one protestor explained the current situation there, "We are fighting for our right to breathe", adds Nestor. "Vancouver Islanders and others know we are all in this together."

Compliance Energy Corp, together with Itochu Corp of Japan and LG International Corp of Korea, own 3,100 hectares (or 7,600 acres) of underground coal rights from Fanny Bay to Campbell River, explains Dawn Christian, another supporter of the Buckley Bay rally.

"Solidarity -Not Compliance!" is intended to provide not only a peaceful opportunity for declaring our shared concerns with those protesting coal in China (and elsewhere), but with one another right here at home, adds Gwyn Frayne on behalf of the Water Dragon Alliance.

"As we embark on a brand new year of resistance to proposed coal mining on Vancouver Island", says Denman Island activist Fireweed, "our January 21st event plans to begin with the arrival of a festive Chinese dragon! 2012 is the year of the Water Dragon, which symbolizes boldness, perseverance, and the overcoming of obstacles- among other qualities- according to Chinese mythology."

Several speakers (TBA) are planned to follow, and time-permitting, a soap-box for short declarations of solidarity from other participants. The gathering is expected to run around an hour and a half to two hours, and will include a special photo assembly for widespread media dissemination. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather but to be creative and colorful with costumes, signs and banners. For additional information, visit www.solidaritynotcompliance.blogspot.com