Saint Paul, MN – On June 10, Native Lives Matter, AIM of Twin Cities and AIM Patrol of Minneapolis led a protest that pulled down the 10-foot tall statue of Christopher Columbus that had stood in front of the Minnesota State Capitol since 1931. A couple hundred people cheered as protesters put a rope around Columbus’s neck and dozens pulled until the statue came crashing down face-first.
The people of Minneapolis have taken to the streets the past 72 hours, demanding the arrest of the killer cops who murdered 46-year-old African American George Floyd on Monday night, May 25. Eyewitness video was released Tuesday morning showing now former Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin pinning Floyd to the ground, with Chauvin’s knee directly on the back of his neck – the video shows Floyd’s last gasps for air. You can hear him telling the killer cop that he can’t breathe and calling for his mother before you see his body going limp. Three other cops on the scene stand by, with two other cops actively helping to restrain Floyd on the ground, all ignoring the pleas of bystanders to let him breathe. Since then, tens of thousands in Minneapolis and have taken to the streets, demanding justice and retribution, which prompted the Minneapolis police to immediately terminate the four officers involved with Floyd’s murder and finally to charge and jail Chauvin May 29.
Milwaukee, WI – People all across Canada, and even in some cities in the United States, are coming together to demonstrate solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en Nation in their fight against the construction of the Coastal GasLink (CGL) pipeline and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) who serve at the whim of the energy corporations behind the project. Actions have been reported in at least six of Canada’s ten provinces.
Milwaukee, WI – In the early morning hours of February 6, officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) invaded territory belonging to the peoples of the Wet’suwet’en Nation, attacking indigenous activists and supporters who are actively opposing a pipeline project that will cut across Wet’suwet’en land. At least six land protectors were arrested and several others, including members of the media on the scene, were detained and removed from Wet’suwet’en territory by the RCMP.
Green Bay, WI – On October 26, members of the Green Bay community and people of the Oneida Nation gathered together with the family of Jonathon Tubby, a 26-year-old Oneida man who was murdered by the Green Bay Police department on October 19, 2018. Among the speakers at the memorial were Jonathon Tubby’s family and friends, the chairman of the Oneida Nation, and several activists from around Wisconsin.
Salt Lake City, UT – “Protect and serve, that’s a lie! Speaking up is not a crime!” chanted protesters, outside the SLCPD Public Health and Safety Building, July 23. More than 60 people had gathered for a Utah Against Police Brutality (UAPB) rally held in response to the excessive police violence used against the peaceful protesters occupying the Chamber of Commerce in downtown SLC on July 9, in response to the proposed Inland Port development.
Green Bay, WI – After months of waiting for a decision, on February 1, the family, friends and supporters of Jonathon Tubby heard District Attorney David Lasees’ refusal to charge Officer Erik O'Brien. His decision has left many with questions, anger and confusion – not the answers they had sought.
Green Bay, WI – On November 2, local grassroots activist group Black Lives United Green Bay, together with Native Lives Matter from Minneapolis, hosted a vigil for Jonathon Tubby, an indigenous man murdered by Green Bay police. Nearly 200 people came out to share good memories and their feelings in response to Jonathon’s death at the hands of police.
San José, CA – On June 26, supporters of American Indian Movement (AIM) leader Leonard Peltier gathered in a park to commemorate the 43rd anniversary of the shoot-out that led to his incarceration of more than 40 years, making him one of the longest-held political prisoners in the U.S.
Salt Lake City, UT – Over 4000 people gathered in protest Dec. 2, on the stairs of the Utah State Capitol Building. They gathered in solidarity with the indigenous tribes, and in preparation of Trump’s visit on Dec. 4, when he is expected to announce the significant shrinking of two national monuments located in southern Utah; Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante. The rally was hosted by 16 different groups, mainly environmental non-profits, and indigenous groups such as PANDOS and Utah Diné Bikéyah. The event was preceded by a drum circle and dances.