The authentic Monoglian yurt from the Occupy Toronto
movement was a gift from OPSEU as part of a larger initiative to build
connections with the remote northern community.
Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence envisioned a social,
creative gathering place for her community, a place filled with sewing machines
and accessories, art supplies, and games for everyone. “It is a loss for my
community; it had great potential, “said the Chief about the yurt, “its loss will
be felt.”
In an email sent to the group of volunteers who delivered
the yurt to Attawapiskat in February, OPSEU executive board member Gord Longhi
wrote: “I know this is really sad and hurtful but don't lose the message that we delivered to the community. This was the act of
perhaps one angry person and not the sentiment of the community at large. We
brought more than a yurt to Attawapiskat. We let them know that there are many
people and organizations that care and are willing to help.”
”When the Occupy protestors were evicted from the park it
was said you cannot evict an idea, the same holds true here,” said OPSEU
President Smokey Thomas, “ I hope the community will continue to develop and
implement creative programs for their kids.”
