Barriere Lake Solidarity (Toronto)

Website: http://www.barrierelakesolidarity.org/ 

Email: barrierelakesolidaritytoronto[at]gmail.com

Barriere Lake Solidarity (BLS) Toronto is a local organizing collective that provides direct support to the community of the Algonquins of Barriere Lake. This small community of about 450 people is located three horus north of Ottawa in Quebec. They live on a 59-acre wildlife reserve, Parc La Verendrye, though their traditional territory spans 17,000 square kilometers of the Upper Ottawa watershed. The Algonquins of Barriere Lake are one of only 10-15 Indigenous communities in Canada that govern themselves under their customary code -- meaning, they have never been governed under band council elections.

BLS supports the Algonquins of Barriere Lake through fundraising, educational events, direct action, media work, political campaigning, and by building a strong base of support for Indigenous activism. BLS Toronto is part of a regional network of grassroots groups supporting Barriere Lake that includes Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Movement Ottawa and Barriere Lake Solidarity Montreal. We also work alongside other anti-colonial organizations to educate and share resources. Taking leadership from the Algonquins of Barriere Lake, this year's activities will focus on reversig the destruction of the August 2010 imposition of band council elections.