This October, the TRUSU Equity Committee is proud to host a fundraiser supporting RAVEN Trust, a non-profit organization that provides legal defense funding to Indigenous Nations protecting their land and rights. RAVEN Trust’s work is crucial, as it ensures that Indigenous Nations have the financial resources to take on legal battles against corporate and governmental projects that threaten their lands, waterways, and ways of life.  

RAVEN Trust is currently supporting eight vital legal campaigns, each working to protect Indigenous rights and lands across Canada. These campaigns include efforts to stop destructive industrial projects and uphold environmental justice. The Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc campaign, focuses on opposing a copper-gold mining project at Pipsell, a site of cultural significance near Kamloops. This campaign is especially relevant to our local community as it is crucial for protecting the land and traditions of two Secwepemc Nations: Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and Skeetchestn. Your support helps protect the lands and rights of these 2 Nations and many other Nations across Canada. 

How You Can Donate 

There are multiple ways to support this cause and contribute to the RAVEN Trust:  

In-Person Donations:

Come visit the TRUSU Equity Committee to make your donation in person at the following locations: 

On-Campus:

1. Wednesday, October 09, 2024 – Old Main, Student Street, 12 PM – 3 PM 
2. Wednesday, October 23, 2024 – Old Main, Student Street, 12 PM – 3 PM 

In the Community: 

1. Saturday, October 19, 2024 – Sweláps Market, 11 AM – 6 PM 
2. Sunday, October 20, 2024 – Sweláps Market, 11 AM – 6 PM 

Online Donations:

Can’t make it in-person? Donate below 

Every donation goes directly towards the legal efforts of RAVEN Trust’s campaigns, and for every $5 you donate, you’ll receive an entry into a draw for a chance to win a pair of Apple AirPods or one of two grocery gift baskets from Sweláps Market! 

Quick FAQs 

• Where does my money go? 
  All donations collected will be pooled, and TRUSU will make a lump sum donation to RAVEN Trust. 
• How does RAVEN Trust use the money? 
  RAVEN Trust splits the funds raised to support their eight active campaigns, helping Indigenous Nations fund the legal challenges required to protect their lands. 
• How long are you accepting donations? 
  Donations will be accepted throughout the month of October. 
• When does the draw close and when will winners be contacted? 
  The draw will close at 11:59PM PST on October 31, 2024, and winners will be notified by November 12, 2024. 
• Why do you need my contact information? 
  Your contact information is required to enter you into the prize draw and contact you if you’re selected as a winner. 
• What is RAVEN Trust’s 8 Active Campaigns? 
  • Beaver Lake Cree Nation: Defending traditional territory from industrial projects. 
  • Breathing Lands: Safeguarding Indigenous-managed carbon-rich ecosystems. 
  • Gitxaała Nation: Protecting the marine environment from mineral claims. 
  • Grassy Narrows: Seeking justice for mercury contamination. 
  • Heiltsuk Nation: Defending marine stewardship after a devastating oil spill. 
  • Kebaowek First Nation: Asserting rights over natural resource extraction. 
  • Stk’emlupsemc te Secwepemc: Opposing a copper-gold mining project near Kamloops. 
  • Wet’suwet’en Nation: Fighting pipeline development on unceded territory. 

For any questions regarding TRUSU’s RAVEN Trust Fundraiser, contact the Equity Coordinator here.