FAQ: Why 'Resist 2010' when the Olympics are gonna happen anyway?

The goal of resistance is to limit the impacts of 2010 and to use the Olympics as a catalyst for stronger social movements. Without the efforts of anti-poverty and housing rights groups, for example, there would've been far more low-income housing lost in Vancouver over the last few years. The 2006 blockade at Eagleridge Bluffs and the direct actions that followed in 2007 showed that there was opposition to the Olympics and has inspired groups across the country to take action.

FAQ: What does 'No Olympics on Stolen Native Land' mean?

Although it can be said that all of the Americas is land stolen from Indigenous peoples, 'British Columbia' is unique in Canada in that virtually no treaties were made in the process of colonization & settlement. Treaties were required under British, and later Canadian, law prior to any trade or settlement (i.e., the 1763 Royal Proclamation). Although today the government seeks 'modern-day treaties' with its Indian Act band councils, the fact is in 'BC' the land is clearly occupied by an illegal colonial system. The slogan 'No Olympics on Stolen Native Land' is a way to raise anti-colonial consciousness about the true history of 'BC'.

FAQ: I thought Natives supported the Olympic Games?

It appears as if Natives support the Olympics due to the exploitation of Native culture, as well as the efforts of Native collaborators (such as the 4 Host First Nations, which is made up of Indian Act band councils). These Native artists, business & political groups are either ignorant about what the Olympics are really about, or just plain greedy. It should be remembered that the band councils were imposed by the government as a means to control & assimilate Native peoples. They lack popular support and only exist because of government funding.

FAQ: What is Resistance 2010?

Resistance 2010 refers to three related campaigns that will occur in 2010: resistance to the Olympics, the G8 summit and the Security & Prosperity Partnership (SPP). They are connected through government & corporate plans to intensify resource exploitation, market expansion, and social control.

FAQ: What are the G8 and SPP?

The G8 are the eight most 'advanced' industrial nations (Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the US, and Russia). These countries dominate & control the global economic system. The G8 summits enable these governments (along with their partners in crime: the corporations) to further their control & exploitation of the global system. The G8 Summit will occur in June 2010 in Ontario.
The Security & Prosperity Partnership (SPP) is a plan to integrate the economic and security systems of Canada, the US, and Mexico. It is an extension of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and includes plans for a North American Union (all in the interests of state-corporate power).

FAQ: Why do anti-Olympic groups vandalize businesses and even carry out arson attacks?

Groups that carry out militant direct action are just one part of the anti-Olympics movement. Most do not carry out vandalism or arson. Those that do have targeted corporate sponsors of the Olympics as a form of sabotage (along with police & military targets). This can increase the costs for corporations seeking to profit from the Games, and could potentially deter some corporate investment. All militant direct actions that have occurred have consisted of property damage and no person has been injured as a result.

FAQ: What's wrong with Olympic sports?

Sports and physical health are a positive aspect of any society. The Olympic industry uses sports and athletes as commodities to market corporate products and services. Governments use Olympic games to unite their populations behind nationalist symbols, to impose greater social control, and to attract corporate investment. Despite claims that Olympics are not 'political', they have devastating social and ecological impacts that cannot be ignored and which must be challenged.

FAQ: How can I help out?

Join the anti-2010 resistance, attend events and actions, distribute information, arrange workshops in your community, school, workplace, etc. Contact the Olympic Resistance Network at olympicresistance@riseup.net

FAQ: Why don't they just leave the Olympics in Greece, where they started?

Good question... Although that would be unfair to the people of Greece. It is interesting to note that the Olympics are an archaic European tradition that have only become a global phenomenon due to the expansion of Western Civilization through colonialism and imperialism. Maybe the Olympics should just be abolished!