FSA and Race and Antiracism Network (RAN) at UFV Stand in Solidarity with Farmworkers, Unionists and Activists in India
December 10, 2020
The Faculty and Staff Association (FSA) and Race and Antiracism Network (RAN) at UFV stand in solidarity with the Farmworkers, Unionists and activists in India. As we speak, a protest, which could be arguably the single largest protest in human history is taking place in India. This is a movement being led by farmworkers unions, but the resonance and ramifications and connections to our members here at UFV, our students, our staff and our faculty is a reality. As a community with deep farming roots and ongoing connections to the diaspora of India, our students, staff, and faculty are being impacted – as are their families and loved ones in this moment.
“India is the largest producer of spices, pulses, milk, tea, cashew and jute, and the second largest producer of wheat, rice, fruits and vegetables, sugarcane, cotton and oilseeds. By type it is the largest producer of ginger, chili, turmeric, cumin and the second largest producer of cardamon and pepper. Agricultural exports from India reached $38.54 Billion USD in 2019” (@Navigillwellness). The fact that so little is understood or even acknowledged speaks to wider systems of ongoing privilege and oppression around the world. Please take the time to educate yourself, and share this knowledge with others.
The FSA and RAN acknowledge the deep and meaningful connections of the movement to create BC’s first Farmworkers Union in the 1980s – a movement which is highlighted well in the documentary “A Time To Rise.” The connections between Union work runs deep in this Province, where this week history was made when Raj Chohan was appointed the Speaker for the 42nd Parliament of the Legislative Assembly of BC. He's the first individual of South Asian heritage to be elected Speaker in British Columbia or in any Canadian parliamentary jurisdiction. Raj Chohan was also one of the leading activists and founders of the BC Farmworkers Union. These histories are all interconnected.
We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge our community, our connections and the foundations through the Union movements, and how this protest in India has incredible impact around the world.
If you are feeling the impact of what is happening in India and would like to reach out to the RAN and the FSA, please email [email protected] or Rajnish Dhawan, FSA Human Rights rep at: [email protected].
In Solidarity,
FSA Executive and RAN co-chairs, Ian and Sharn.
Resources for Learning:
https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/india-farmers-protest explained_ca_5fcfdc0cc5b6636e0928d1e6
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/12/04/should-canada-try-to-forge-closer-ties-with-india-expertsare-raising-red-flags-heres-why.html
#Kisaanmajdoorektazindabaad #ISupportFarmWorkers #FarmersProtest