Micki Findlay
Vancouver IslandArtist
Author, Columnist, Poet, Photographer, Multimedia Artist, Activist
ELBOWS UP VAN ISLE
WELCOME TO ELBOWS UP VAN ISLE!
(Click HERE To See Upcoming Events
'ELBOWS UP VAN ISLE'
is a Community of Strength, Resilience, & Unity
It is where Vancouver Island Canadians & allies can connect and support one another,
especially in the face of adversity, tariffs, and threats to democracy and our country's sovereignty.
Whether joining in solidarity in peaceful resistance demonstrations, sharing stories of national
pride and perseverance, other 'Elbows Up' events, ideas, and photos, or discussing the challenges
we face as a community and country, our group is about lifting each other up—not tearing each
other down. It is also about guarding our sovereignty and the values we hold dear:
diversity, equality, and inclusion.
It is also about being kind and encouraging to our American neighbours as most of them
did not vote for the mess we're in. Our fight is not with them but the powers that be.
Join us in fostering a respectful, and resilient community in our friendly Facebook group:
Stand tall, stand together & let's keep our 'Elbows Up' against fascism, disinformation, and oligarchy!
To find out more about more about the 'Elbows Up' movement, listen to Charlie Angus, a former Ontario MP, who launched this Canada-wide movement. Find him on YouTube at this link:
'CHARLIE ANGUS - ELBOWS UP TORONTO RALLY'
With love, friendship and optimistic, yet cautious, hope for our future.
Micki Findlay - Group and Event Organizer
Find Micki & Elbows Up Van Isle On Instagram
Find Micki & Elbows Up Van Isle On Bluesky
ONGOING AND UPCOMING EVENTS
In Canada, we stand with those resisting authoritarianism worldwide. The NO KINGS movement in the U.S. – known globally as NO TYRANTS – is rising in response to Trump’s corruption, extremism, and threats to democracy. The fight doesn’t stop at borders, and far-right movements don’t stop at customs.
By joining us, you’re taking a peaceful stand against hate, division, and dictatorship. This movement is rooted in the very foundation of democracy – born in the streets, carried in chants, and growing stronger every day.
Trump believes his rule is absolute. But we won’t back down. Not in the U.S. Not in Canada. His recent threats toward our country – made in front of military generals – are a wake-up call. We must keep our ‘elbows up’ against Trumpism and any politician who spreads lies, stokes fear, or tries to divide us.
Instead of fighting each other, we must stand together. Because the real enemy is authoritarianism, and it’s dismantling democracy in real time: silencing speech, defying courts, enriching the ultra-wealthy.
All NO KINGS/NO TYRANTS events are peaceful and nonviolent. We ask everyone to de-escalate conflict, act lawfully and take the high road.
Join us! We’ll meet at 11:30 AM in the gravel lot beside Serious Coffee (9-1209 Island Hwy E, Parksville, BC). We will stand along the highway from 12:00–2:00 PM, rain or shine. Please don’t park in front of Serious Coffee or other Heritage Centre businesses.
(Check our 'Discussion' tab on our Facebook Event Page for inspiration and updates.)
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(Live in or near Victoria? Go to THIS LINK instead
Find a protest NEAR YOU
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How You Can Help:
Bring your friends, bring your family, bring your energy, and don't forget your sign if you have one! Feel free to forward this invite to members outside of the group. Share our videos, posters, and posts. Take photos/videos at the event and share them on social media with hashtags: #nokings #notyrants #elbowsupvanisle
I hope you will join us in these unprecedented times. This is not the time to stay silent. This moment isn’t about watching history unfold. It’s about shaping it.
Together, we say: NO to hate. NO to fear. NO to tyrants. YES to democracy.
Watch THIS VIDEO about recent Canadian threats:
A friend and fellow Canadian - Micki Findlay - Elbows Up Van Isle Organizer
NO KINGS. NO TYRANTS. NO FEAR.
Contact
Have questions? Want to be updated on our events? Message us using the form below.
PAST EVENTS
Thank you Debra, Erin, David, Stu, and Haidee for showing your Canadian spirit! Haidee came all the way from the mainland to join us in solidarity and help us create our 'Elbows Up Qualicum Beach' sign!
Create your own 'Elbows Up' sign!
wherever you live then share your photos on our Elbows Up Van Isle Facebook page and/or Instagram with the hashtag #elbowsupvanisle and #elbowsup. This demonstration (besides being fun) helps raise awareness, brings people together, builds friendships, and reminds us that with everything happening in the US, and the ongoing threats to our sovereignty, we must always stand guard for our
"True North strong and free!"