CUPE Local 606 - Unite Against War and Imperialism

Nanaimo: Unite Against War and Imperialism is a rally and free concert to end the occupation of

Iraq

and

Afghanistan

. The event will include a mix of speakers and musical performances, in the Harbourfront Plaza on March 17, 2007 and run from 12:30pm to 4:00pm.

On this global day of action, people from around the world will rally together and call for peace in the Middle East, specifically in

Iraq

and

Afghanistan

. A local coalition named United for Peace and Justice has organized the event and is calling the citizens of Nanaimo to come out and join the rally. This rally and concert is scheduled to mark the 4^th anniversary of the war in

Iraq

“Prime Minister Harper’s decision to escalate Canadian military participation in

Afghanistan

is contrary to our traditional peace keeping, humanitarian role and is resulting in a rise in Canadian casualties. We are asking that

Canada

withdraw its troops from

Afghanistan

and support an end to the occupation of

Iraq

.” Graeme Henderson, Popular Participation Movement.

The event will feature a diverse range of music featuring the local groups Tongue and Groove, and The Owl and the Pussy Cat. Mama’s Kitchen will be performing with a local choir named Everybody Sings. The entertainment will also include a hip hop performance by Homage in his raptivist hippy-hop style. The Raging Grannies will sing a few songs of peace and justice and the Popular Participation Movement will perform some of their comedic music-skits.

Community members are invited to make and bring their peace signs and banners. Families are encouraged and invited to make a banner prior to the event and bring it to the rally. Involving children and youth is of special importance, Andreas Siege of the Popular Participation Movement describes the importance of youth attendance as such “we must be united for peace and justice, together we rally against war and imperialism. Youth are the Future, if not us then who? If not now then when?”