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First Nations band together

Fundraising event includes performances by local musicians.
28420nanaimoPull_Together_WEB
Pull Together takes place at the Port Theatre on Thursday night. The event's main goal is to raise money for First Nations to fight against the Northern Gateway pipeline project.

A handful of First Nations and members from the community are pulling together in an effort to fight the federal government.

Tonight (Dec. 18), the Port Theatre will play host to Pull Together, a fundraising event for the First Nations legal battle against the Northern Gateway pipeline.

The event will feature live performances from April Laurie, Mariko Ihara, Tongue and Groove, Hub City Ramblers, Waiting for James, Kwan’wah’tala Galis, Patrick Aleck, Vesta Fire, Jamie Black, Guy Segal.

“It is really a full evening,” event organizer Paul Manly said. “There is a lot of different stuff.”

Manly will also be showcasing his musical talents as he performs with his music group, Waiting for James.

“We’re doing more R and B, soul and dance type of stuff,” Manly said.

Pull Together is a collaborative fundraiser between the First Nations, the Sierra Club of B.C. and RAVEN (Respecting Aboriginal Values and Environmental Needs). Their goal is to raise $300,000 by the end of the month.

Manly said that the First Nations people have a right to be heard.

“I think that the First Nations need to be heard and respected. There is no way that this pipeline is going to be built with the way that this process has unfolded,” he said. “It is unfortunate to see that they have to raise money to sue the government.”

The First Nations fighting against Enbridge are the Gitxaala, Kitasoo/Xai’xais, Heiltsuk, Nadleh Whut’en, Nak’azdli and Haida Nations.

Pull Together takes place at the Port Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.

For more information, including ticket purchases, please visit www.porttheatre.com or www.pull-together.ca.

arts@nanaimobulletin.comTwitter: @npescod