MEDIA ADVISORY
January 12, 2021
Unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam), səlílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nations, Vancouver BC
– Organizations based in the Downtown Eastside are holding a community vigil for the victim of a fatal police shooting which took place on Tuesday January 5. This police shooting is currently the subject of an investigation by the Independent Investigations Office of BC, as well as a separate Police Act investigation by the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner. Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU) has also initiated a community-led investigation, and requests that DTES residents contact them if they can provide a witness account of the execution, either by phone (604-683-6061) or email ([email protected]).
Read VANDU’s statement in response to the police murder
Read the Defund 604 Network’s statement in response to the police murder
A vigil is being called for Tuesday, January 12 at 380 East Hastings to commemorate our fallen friend’s tragic death at the hands of the Vancouver Police Department. The peaceful vigil is being coordinated by VANDU, the BC Association of People on Opiate Maintenance, and Pivot Legal Society with support from the victim’s family. Attendees will gather at 380 E Hastings and then march to the intersection of Princess and East Hastings Street.
What: Community vigil in response to VPD Murder
When: Tuesday January 12, 1:30 PM onwards
Where: VANDU Office 380 E Hastings [google map]
Who: DTES Community Members
Contact
Sozan Savehilaghi
Pivot Legal Society
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About Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU)
VANDU is a group of users and former users who work to improve the lives of people who use drugs through user-based peer support and education. VANDU is committed to increasing the capacity of people who use drugs to live healthy, productive lives. VANDU is also committed to ensuring that drug users have a real voice in their community and in the creation of programs and policies designed to serve them.
https://www.vandu.org/about-us/
About BC Association of People on Opiate Maintenance (BCAPOM)
BCAPOM is a peer-run group of people who are on opiate maintenance. BCAPOM educates people about methadone and prescription opiates, and the fight for fair and just access to the opiate medication of our choosing.
About Pivot Legal Society
Pivot Legal Society is a leading Canadian human rights organization that uses the law to address the root causes of poverty and social exclusion in Canada. Pivot’s work includes challenging laws and policies that force people to the margins of society and keep them there. Since 2002 Pivot has won major victories for sex workers’ rights, police accountability, affordable housing, and health and drug policy.
http://www.pivotlegal.org/our_story
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Using the law as a catalyst for positive social change, Pivot Legal Society works to improve the lives of marginalized communities.
