Opposition to Om the Bridge -- the yoga event slated to shut down the Burrard Bridge for seven hours on Saturday, June 21 -- is growing, and it’s coming from a variety of different sources.
First Nations groups have taken to social media to organize a protest of the event, which is scheduled to coincide with National Aboriginal Day. Some are planning a walking “flashmob” that will process through the yoga event while singing and drumming.
“Aboriginal Day is our day and we will not be disrespected,” wrote artist and flashmob organizer Burton Amos on his Facebook page.
The government watchdog IntegrityBC, meanwhile, is upset about Om the Bridge because it’s a provincial government event -- Premier Christy Clark announced it last week -- sponsored by major donors to the BC Liberals.
Yoga apparel company Lululemon, a sponsor of the event, donated $10,000 to the party in 2013, and the company’s founder Chip Wilson donated $50,000. Oil and gas company AltaGas is also a sponsor and a BC Liberals donor.
“People who don’t make those donations don’t seem to find themselves partnering with the B.C. government and having the premier come out to announce their events,” said IntegrityBC executive director Dermod Travis.
Even children’s musician Raffi has gotten into the anti-bridge-closure action, urging his Twitter followers to #shunthebridge.
when a bridge closure (for yoga!) on National Aboriginal Day needs corporate sponsors—something stinks. #shunthebridge #bcpoli #OmTheBridge
— Raffi Cavoukian (@Raffi_RC) June 8, 2015
Om the Bridge is intended to be the largest celebration of the International Day of Yoga outside of India. During her announcement last week, Clark said the event was aimed at strengthening ties with that country.
Whether the event achieves that goal or not, it has already done an impressive job of frustrating locals.
“It takes some skill to make so many people angry over the same event at the same time,” Travis said.
