Niagara Animal Defense League

On the eve of August 10th’s, Prisoner’s Justice Day, the ADL would like to extend messages of solidarity and support for four cases currently in different stages of the “legal” system.

First, we wish to extend a message of solidarity to Louise and Joseph Wawatie, two Algonquin Elders at Barriere Lake who have been arrested and charged with mischief for their role in organizing an opposition to clear cutting happening on their territory and their traditional lands. The ADL, specifically it’s working group, Friends of Kanonhstaton is ashamed and embarrassed that they donated to the Barriere Lake Solidarity Group - which left the camp after after a deal was reached with Resolute Forest Products, a deal which has been rejected by traditional council. We are committed to countering any claims of “victory” and placing focus back upon those who are still struggling at Barriere Lake. We encourage members to follow up with support if they can and we will continue to monitor the situation and provide any support that we can. In the meantime, we hope for a successful injunction and ask you to please sign and circulate this petition calling on the unconditional release of Joseph and Louise. A proposal for a donation will be put forward at our next meeting.

Nate Buckley, an organizer from Buffalo who was tackled and maced at an anti-war demonstration in 2011, is still fighting in the legal system. Nate’s case is a perfect illustration of the state’s interests and the role of police in our communities. Nate was tackled by transit cops, pulled onto bank property, maced while not restraining and then charged. You can find a video of the demonstration here. The ADL, along with CUPE 4207, stand in solidarity with Nate and have sent a $150 donation to the Nate Buckley Defense Committee. We will continue to follow his case and provide support when we can. We are calling on members to sign and share the petition calling on the District Attorney to drop the charges against Nate, to like, follow and share the Nate Buckley Defense Committee and for members to offer support any way they can. Nate has a pre-trial hearing this Friday and our thoughts will be with him.


We stand in solidarity with all grand jury resisters and all those who remain silent. Dennison Williams and Leah-Lynn Plante are two grand jury resisters who recently released a statement about the issue and we encourage members to read that statement and educate themselves about grand juries and political repression. The ADL has asked to be added to their solidarity statement and a proposal for donation will be put forward at our next meeting. “More importantly, though, you can show your solidarity by refusing to co-operate with any police force and encouraging your friends and families to do the same. The police do not protect us, and do nothing to bring justice to those who have been hurt by others. If we want real safety, and real justice, we need to begin creating liberatory alternatives to the state’s institutions.”

Lastly, our third meeting of the month is always a prisoner support event as well. This month we will be joining with Queer Action Niagara to honour Black August by hosting a prisoner support night for CeCe McDonald. We will be writing letters, as well as discussing what support can look like in Niagara for CeCe. The meeting will be Monday August 20th at 6PM. All meetings are open meetings and if you would like to attend write to niagaraanimaldefenseleague@gmail.com