In conjunction with climate protests around the world on Friday, protesters in Kelowna called for action on climate change under the Fridays for Future banner originally started by Greta Thunberg. “Every day we see another crisis. We see floods, we see different disasters, and especially for young people there is something very scary about it — knowing that this is what our future will be like,” said one protester in Castanet. “So we are asking everyone, especially adults, policy makers in solidarity with youth and people who will still be on earth in 50 years to do something now because we don’t have much time left.” The group is pushing for everyone to vote for climate action in local elections on 15 October. “We just want to remind people that climate justice and environmental issues are a big deal here in the Okanagan. And bring attention to those issues so people can decide who they want to vote for,” the protester continued. Held at the same time, a second protest saw Kelowna’s Iranian community gather in solidarity as loved ones back home fight for human rights following the killing of Mahsa Amini, an Iranian woman who was beaten to death by morality police for she was wearing it inappropriately. hijab. “I should just make it clear that Massa is not the only person killed by the government, the police or the so-called morality police. Many people die in Iran, but Masha has become a symbol. All we can do is just protest here and do our best. But in Iran, things are very terrible and I really wish for the safety of my people,” said one protester. The protester, who preferred to stay off camera for the safety of his family in Iran, says the Iranian government has taken away its citizens’ access to the internet, cutting off their voice to the rest of the world. “There is no Internet access for Iranians, so their voice will not be heard by other nations. So we as Iranians in Canada, maybe we can be their voice so that we can make the world listen and make the world hear what’s happening in Canada. Iran.”
