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Defying Wildfire Evacuation Order, This Indigenous Community Stood Its Ground

‘We’ve fought fire generation after generation after generation.’

David Lavallee and Jeremy Williams 10 Aug 2017TheTyee.ca

David Lavallee is a Vancouver based filmmaker and videographer. He has produced and directed two feature documentaries, White Water, Black Gold and To the Ends of the Earth (narrated by Academy Award-winner Emma Thompson).

Jeremy Williams has been producing grassroots films since 1999 and works on the frontlines of environmental and social justice campaigns. He has been documenting the Tsilhqot'in efforts to protect their territory for five years and is working on a feature film about their landmark court victory titled Chilcotin Gold.

When the RCMP came in to enforce a mandatory evacuation order for the wildfires burning up British Columbia’s Interior, the Tl’etinqox First Nation pushed back.

“We’ve fought fire generation after generation after generation,” said Chief Alphonse, whose nation opted to stay and help battle the fires.

Hear more of their story in the video above, produced by David Lavallee of White Gold Productions and Jeremy Williams of River Voices.  [Tyee]

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