Eco-Elders mobilize Calgarian Seniors for Climate

 

October 1st is National Seniors Day, and in Calgary, local activists Eco-Elders for Climate Action joined a nationwide Day of Action calling for urgent climate action. Rallying at City Hall Plaza, they gathered local climate organizations and allies to send their message. Climate action is needed now - because later is too late.

 


The day of action was coordinated by Seniors for Climate, a national organization which facilitated over 70 events across Canada on Seniors Day. As seniors are 1 in 4 Canadians, the group seeks to organize those seniors to act together to build a better world by ending the use of fossil fuels.

In Calgary, the Eco-Elders convened a Climate Action Expo, inviting organizations who support seniors, climate action, eco-restoration and community engagement. And to kick off the event and entice public participation, a team of seniors formed a flash mob on Stephen Ave, performing a choreographed dance to The Bee Gees’ Stayin’ Alive. 

 

   

 

Back at the plaza, the crowd was engaged by a variety of songs, speeches and presentations on the urgency of the issue, and the space role that seniors will play in the struggle. Elder Cheryl Chagnon-Greyeyes led a moving opening ceremony of songs of welcome. Dr Joe Vipond, Dr David Swann and Andy Kubrin shared their experiences from years of political involvement, activism and scientific research, all which reinforce the need for immediate action.

 

 

 

Speaking on behalf of younger generations, Kevin Vibat gave an emotional appeal to bring people together on this issue, for the sake of our shared future. Ronnie Joy Lea facilitated the proceedings, interspersed with a range of songs and poems from Calgary’s Raging Grannies. Acting in her role as Deputy Mayor, Cllr Sonya Sharp delivered the Mayor's proclamation that October 1st, 2024, would be declared Seniors for Climate Day in Calgary.

 

 

Calgary’s Seniors for Climate event was an inspiring and moving gathering, made even greater by the knowledge that it was just one of many happening across the country. With the help of their army of volunteers, the Eco-Elders delivered a call to all seniors that the future of our world is still in their strong, experienced hands, and that their grit and determination is still greatly needed in this climate work.


Written by Daniel Smithies