Dear Lands Council Members and Supporters,
Our hearts have been hurting for the last two weeks as police brutality has once again exposed the deep-rooted systematic racism that is so prevalent in this country. We are outraged by the racial injustices occurring and we are frustrated with the response from our leaders and the media. It is heart-wrenching to watch police brutalize black and indigenous people, and those who are standing up to racialized oppression. Our hearts go out to all who are hurting, grieving, angry, and exhausted during this time.
The Lands Council stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and everyone fighting for racial justice across the US and the world. We are in full support of the protestors who are fighting to dismantle white supremacy and demanding an end of state sanctioned violence against black people. We stand with all who are calling for accountability and demilitarization of the police. We are with you in imagining a society that prioritizes compassion & restorative justice over excessive force and incarceration.
Our work to restore our environment is inextricably connected to racial justice. Dismantling the systems of oppression that exploit land and communities of color is crucial. We know that climate change, as well as water and air pollution, are impacting black, indigenous, and people of color more than others in our Spokane community. We will strive to ensure that climate justice is at the forefront of our efforts.
We cannot ignore how climate change, environmental degradation, and air and water pollution disproportionately impacts communities of color. We as The Lands Council must do more to ensure an end to racism and social injustice. We believe that a safe and welcoming access to our natural world is not a privilege – it is a right for all people.
Our commitments to being allies and an anti-racist organization:
5% of our budget will be allocated directly to supporting environmental justice efforts in the Inland Northwest.
TLC staff and board will reevaluate our strategic plan, mission, and vision to include commitments to environmental justice and racial equity.
As of June 2020, all TLC board and staff members will participate in racial justice training.
Please donate and support local efforts to address racial injustice, environmental injustice, and police brutality:
Smart Justice Spokane - sign this petition to ensure that Covid-19 relief funding is spent properly
We mean it when we say Black Lives Matter and Native Lives Matter. Today, The Lands Council is doubling down on our commitment to be anti-racist, not just through our words, but also our actions.
In solidarity always,
The Lands Council