Poverty and Discontent: The roots of anti-homeless hate

On May 17, 2018 the founders of Discontent City set up tents in an unused lot at the edge of downtown Nanaimo. For the residents of Discontent City, the tent city is an important site of collective survival that makes solidarity, safety, and care possible. But Discontent City residents still deal with daily harassment by anti-homeless bigots who threaten and enact violence. At Discontent City, just like at Anita Place tent city in Maple Ridge, anti-homeless bigotry takes on an intensity that differs from the hatred and prejudice expressed towards homeless people in larger urban centres like Victoria and Vancouver.

This panel starts a discussion about the root causes of anti-homeless hate in Nanaimo. Residents of Discontent City, supporters, and Alliance Against Displacement members will explain how hatred towards homeless people is an expression of working class and housed people’s own fears of displacement, combined with anti-Indigenous racism and hatred towards women.

This event will take place on the occupied and unceded territories of the Snuneymuxw nation.

Physical accessibility info to come soon.
Onsite childcare & snacks will be available.

Please email us if you have any questions or accessibility needs!