FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2023
Local Forest Conservation organization MOVES BEYOND CONVERSATION – A WITH DOCUMENTARY FILM SCREENING AND DISCUSSION ON OLD-GROWTH FORESTS, INDIGENOUS RIGHTS AND ACTION
‘’BEFORE THEY FALL’’.
2. View the Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMkr-uEfVaE
Peachland, BC The Fairy Creek Blockade may have gained international media attention over the past year, but conservationists, Indigenous groups, and scientists have been fighting for many years to protect the few remaining old-growth forests in British Columbia, particularly in southern Vancouver Island. (Fairy Creek is the last unprotected, intact valley on the southern Island.) The Peachland Watershed Protection Alliance is delighted to partner up with the team and screen the documentary for the first time in BC’s interior. The battle to save BC’s endangered old-growth affects all British Columbians.
In Before They Fall, director Cam MacArthur and his team capture the recent escalation of the situation, giving audiences a taste of the standoff between land defenders, enforcement agencies, and logging companies. The Fairy Creek blockades have continued for almost three years and this documentary release has rekindled the passion and energy of supporters, province wide.
Before they Fall is honouring those who fight to protect ancient old-growth forest and an urgent call for settlers to listen to and follow Indigenous leadership,” says the film’s producer Momme Halbe. “Even though Indigenous Peoples have been disenfranchised from their land, they still hold the knowledge and connection that is needed to combat climate catastrophes that have become so frequent and severe in this province. We are amplifying the call for landback and much needed activism to combat ongoing systemic racism and violence against Indigenous Peoples, Black and other People of Colour that are continually targeted by RCMP units.”
Produced by Victoria-based Ecologyst Films, the film explores the characters’ individual relationships with ancient forests, and why it’s imperative we collectively protect them. It touches on potential solutions, like a transition away from old-growth in the future of logging, and Indigenous sovereignty.
Join PWPA at the event live or online (Zoom link to be provided) to participate in the story of Indigenous leaders, conservation groups, scientists and everyday citizens who fought to protect one of the remaining old-growth forests in British Columbia, ‘Ada’itsx (Fairy Creek). The screening begins at 7:15 p.m. and includes the recorded panel discussion and Q&A following with three speakers:
Torrance Coste – National Campaign Director, Wilderness Committee
Rainbow Eyes – film participant, activist and Deputy Leader of Green Party of Canada
Rande Cook – film participant, Tree of Life / Awi’nakola Foundation
Please join us at the Peachland 50+ Centre, 5672 Beach Ave., Peachland BC, Thursday February 23rd, 7:00-9:00pm to view the film, meet the PWPA, join conversations and ask questions from a panel of local knowledge keepers.
Following the screening, PWPA will be offering complimentary refreshments and home baked goodies.
For more information or interviews, contact:
Taryn Skalbania, Director, Peachland Watershed Protection Alliance
Phone: 250-767-6456
Email: peachlandwpa@gmail.com
Alex Morrison, Director of Communications, Peachland Watershed Protection Alliance
Phone: 204-955-1839
Email: skaha.alex@gmail.com
Join Peachland Watershed Protection Alliance online:
Website peachlandwpa.org
Face Book https://www.facebook.com/PeachlandWatershedProtectionAlliance
Twitter Watershred Diaries https://twitter.com/TarynSkalbania
Instagram @peachlandwpa https://www.instagram.com/peachlandwpa/?hl=en
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Background information:
The vulnerability of our watershed — illustrated by our poor-quality drinking water and annual flooding — is our chief concern. Our mandate is the preservation and protection of all watersheds in our community, with a goal of providing a consistent quantity, quality and timing of flow of water.
The alliance is dedicated to ecosystem research and education, and encourages the adaption of site sensitive, ecologically based forestry practices in the public forests located in Peachland’s watersheds. Our activities include area walk and talks with water, land and tree experts as well as industry representatives; communicating with all levels of governments; info sessions; kids’ education days, and a speaker’s series.
Please join us as we work together to preserve and protect Peachland’s watershed.
Peachland Watershed Protection Alliance is a community group that launched in 2016. We are based in Peachland BC, traditional territory of the syilx. We support and advocate for the protection of water, wild plants, animals and their habitats in central BC.