Friends of the Woodwards Squat

This is a recounting of being inside the Woodwards squat before and during the police eviction on September 21, 2002. It describes the physical, social, and political atmosphere of the squat and the preparations for the impending police actions, particularly, meetings where strategies were planned and issues addressed. It describes the police evicting and arrest the squatters, as well as the misrepresentations by the media of the squat. Even in light of these, it states that the squat will continue to pressure the provincial government to develop the building into social housing.

This is a media release on Vancouver Indymedia announcing a rally at the Woodwards squat. It states it is a response to the shutting down of the squat and a reaction to agreements made between the City of Vancouver and the Woodwards Social Housing Coalition to temporarily house some of the squatters. It questions the accountability of the latter organization. It also lists government websites to contact and provides a revised version of 'O Canada' that highlights Canada as unceded aboriginal territory.

This announces the 60th day of the Woodwards squat and asks for writings and statements by squatters to government officials that will be printed in the W.O.O.D.S.Q.U.A.T. Newsletter.

This essay explores concepts applicable to the Woodwards squat. It approaches 'theorizing' the squat through pertinent documents produced in and in relation to the squat. It discusses the evolution of the squat, from its everydayness (ex. kitchen and bathrooms) to its contentious connection to political issues. In particular, it uses the concepts of 'autonomy' and 'apparatus' to analyze the relationships between individuals and organizations (ex. the Portland Hotel Society and Anti-Poverty Committee), with attention given to the construction of demands within the squat. It concludes that 'affinity groups' is a useful way to understand the semi-coordinated and constant movement at the squat.