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Calgary Herald

Ahead of G7 summit, protesters gather at Calgary city hall to 'raise our voices'

A sea of people gathered outside Calgary city hall Sunday, some coming alone, others with groups, but everyone shared the same goal of having their message heard ahead of the 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis. Article content The Municipal Plaza in downtown Calgary is one of three designated protest zones in the city set up as part of the gathering of world leaders. Article content Article content The demonstrations included a rally at noon that highlighted Indigenous water right, Calgary's Amhara community calling to end a genocide in their homeland, and around 100 individuals calling for peace in Kashmir. Article content Article content Article content Member of Calgary's Amhara community, Yohannes Asfaw, said his group was there to serve as a voice for the voiceless Amhara people, currently in conflict with the Ethiopian Government. Article content His group was calling on the G7 leaders to end the conflict and help bring peace to the region. Article content 'We want peace,' Asfaw said. Article content Mary Oxendale Spensley, along with her fellow Calgary Raging Grannies, said it was interesting to be part of the multi-organization rally. Article content Article content 'As far as I know, we are all here for progressive causes,' Spensley said. 'We are here for human rights.' Article content Article content For Diane Houston, she said she originally came to the demonstration zone alone. Not too soon after, Houston became acquainted with others who support the No Kings movement in the U.S., in protest of President Donald Trump's policies and actions during his second presidency. Article content Another independent protester, Heather Harrigan, held signs and waved Canadian flags to commuters who honked their support near the rally. Article content She said it is wonderful to see the support from community members who shared the same love of Canada. Article content 'People seem to be understand that when they see our flag, are pro-our country,' she said. 'We live in Canada and we love this country.' Article content