GUELPH – People paddled up the Speed River in Guelph on Aug. 19 in an effort to raise money for families in Gaza.
The event was organized by the Wellington Water Watchers, OPIRG, Decolonial Solidarity and Speed River Paddling, with about 25 paddlers raising about $900 for food and water for Palestinian families.
The funds were sent to a campaign called Ele Elna Elak, which means “what we own, you own” in Arabic.
Ele Elna Elak collects donations for families in Gaza to purchase necessities including food, water, firewood, medicine and clothes.
To donate to the campaign, visit gofundme.com/f/EleElnaElakFood.
After an hour-long canoe ride, attendees gathered at Royal City Park to share a potluck dinner and listen to speakers.
‘There’s hope’
Quill Christie-Peters, an Anishinaabe educator, said she sometimes hears people say the tragedy in Gaza seems too big and far away to do anything about, and explained how an Anishinaabe perspective challenges that idea.
“We build our world every single moment, every single action or inaction,” so every step someone takes to support Palestine, no matter how small, does make a difference.
And every step not taken makes a difference too, she said.
Christie-Peters’ community brought a delegation of Palestinians to their remote Treaty 3 territory near Thunder Bay to “build relationships,” she said.
“Some of our most cherished elders and knowledge-keepers came and held the Palestinian folks in some of our most sacred ceremonies.
“There’s hope, and good moments that are happening, and so much love,” she said.
