A white pine sapling planted during a Haudenosaunee Peace Ceremony at McGill University’s downtown campus on Sunday, held in solidarity with the people of Gaza and “all people fighting for peace,” was removed by the following day.
In a statement, the university confirmed it had removed the sapling and decorative rocks, saying the action was unauthorized and that organizers had proceeded without permission.
“Following a Monday afternoon email from an organizer, a McGill representative indicated how they could retrieve their materials, including the sapling, which had been carefully moved into a new pot with fresh soil,” McGill said.
“The morning of Nov.19, after making arrangements with McGill staff, two students picked up the sapling and rocks on behalf of organizers.”
Kanien’kehá:ka women activists from Kanesatake condemned the removal calling it a “desecration of the Haudenosaunee symbol of peace,” and a “hate crime.”
“Accepting the planting of the Great White Pine, a symbol of peace for the …