Protesters Demand Banks Stop Financing Desecration of the Earth

On October 23rd, 92 of the world's largest banks met in São Paolo, Brazil to discuss policies on the climate and indigenous people's rights to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). These banks included Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) financiers such as Wells Fargo, Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Chase, and many more.

Mazaska Talks called on allies everywhere to join a mass global action to make it clear to the banks that financing climate disaster and the abuse of indigenous peoples is starting a global divestment movement. In Palo Alto today, a rally featuring indigenous activist speakers was part of that international action.

Oil pipelines have made news because they destroy the environment and repress indigenous rights. But there is more to it when it comes to the Big Banks as nearly all are involved in unethical practices of one kind or another whether it be prisons, fossil fuel projects, or weapons manufacturing. A speaker from Oakland at the Palo Alto rally described the movement to establish a Public Bank of Oakland. She said Oakland residents working on the project want to see a public bank flourish that helps the community and provides an example for other jurisdictions wishing to rid themselves of their dependence on Wall Street banks.