For Immediate Release:

Thursday, April 11, 2024—Keepers of the Water (KOW) will participate in a rally outside the Royal Bank of Canada’s (RBC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) to call out RBC’s continued support for fossil fuel expansion projects that violate Indigenous sovereignty and rights globally.

The RBC 2023 AGM is a critical opportunity for shareholders to decide how RBC uses their money, and you can join us in the global movement to stop the funders of climate change.

In bankrolling the Coastal GasLink fracked gas pipeline without the Free, Prior and Informed Consent from Wet’suwet’en Hereditary leadership, RBC continues to finance dangerous fossil fuel expansion projects in our traditional territories, a direct threat to Indigenous sovereignty and clean water.

“Keepers is here to give voice to the Water and the living systems depending on clean, fresh water for planetary survival. RBC shareholders and Canadians can no longer turn a blind eye to the destruction of the water, land, biodiversity, and people caused by their reckless investments.”Jesse Cardinal KOW Executive Director

A news conference with members of the delegation will follow.

Ahead of the rally and news conference, dozens of Indigenous and Black delegates and allies will attend the Annual General Meeting to have their voices heard by RBC’s board, executives, and shareholders. 

Rally and Mobilization:

Where: Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Rd, Etobicoke, ON

When: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM EDT, Thursday, April 11, 2024

What: Black and Indigenous delegates and local community members will rally outside RBC’s Annual General Meeting. Speeches will be given by Wet’suwet’en land defenders, Palestinian Youth Movement, Keepers of the Water, and other communities resisting RBC’s destruction of their lands, waters, and peoples.

News Conference:

Where: Crowne Plaza Toronto, 33 Carlson Ct, Toronto, ON M9W 6H5; Humber Room.

When: 1:00 - 2:00 PM EDT (GMT-4), Thursday, April 11, 2024

What: Black and Indigenous delegates involved in water and land protection from RBC-backed fossil fuel projects will be taking part in a press conference. There will be photo opportunities, and a question and answer period with delegates following their statements.

Speakers: 

Vanessa Gray: Divestment Campaign Coordinator, Indigenous Climate Action, Aamjiwnaang First Nation

Chief Na’Moks: Hereditary Chief of Wet’suwet’en

Celine Isimbi, Change Course Campaign Organizer, University of Waterloo Student

Richard Brooks: Stand.Earth

Grand Chief Stewart Philip: Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC)

About KEEPERS OF THE WATER (keepersofthewater.ca): Keepers of the Water are First Nations, Métis, Inuit, environmental groups, concerned citizens, and communities working together for the protection of water, air, land, and all living things within the Arctic Ocean Drainage Basin.

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For more information, contact:

Tori Cress, communications@keepersofthewater.ca, 647-201-9207