KEEP THE PRESSURE ON THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA!

SUPPORT CHIEF THERESA SPENCE • SUPPORT “IDLE NO MORE”          

Demand Justice for First Nations • Demand that Canadian Prime Minister Harper Meet with Chief Spence and other First Nations Leaders• Repeal Canadian Legislation C-45, and all other anti-indigenous legislation!

PROTEST/ROUND DANCE  @ THE CANADIAN CONSULATE • 1625 BROADWAY (16^TH STREET MALL@ BROADWAY), DENVER • MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012 • 10:30 am • Bring drums, banners, signs

IDLE NO MORE  Is a movement that was begun by four courageous women in Saskatchewan, Canada, in November, 2012, to combat vicious legislative attacks (especially Bill C-45) on First Nation indigenous peoples by the government of Canada. Since that time, Idle No More has captured the imagination and attention of indigenous peoples and their allies, all over North America, and across the globe. Idle No More calls on all people to join in a revolution that honors and fulfills Indigenous liberation, which protects the land and water. Colonization continues through attacks to Indigenous peoples’ rights and damage to the land and water. We must repair these violations, live the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship, work towards justice in action, and protect Mother Earth. On December 10th, Indigenous people and allies stood in solidarity across Canada to assert Indigenous decolonization, and to begin the work towards sustainable, renewable development. All people will be affected by the continued damage to the land and water and we welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies to join in creating healthy sustainable communities. We encourage youth to become engaged in this movement as you are the leaders of our future. There have always been individuals and groups who have been working towards these goals – Idle No More seeks to create solidarity and further support these goals. We recognize that there may be backlash, and we encourage people to stay strong and united in spirit. Contact: http://idlenomore1.blogspot.com

CHIEF THERESA SPENCE  To focus awareness on the broad range of issues that have been raised by "Idle No More," Chief Theresa Spence of the Attiwapiskat First Nation, on James Bay in northern Canada, began a hunger strike on December 11, demanding that Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper, and the Queen of England, meet with Spence and other First Nation leaders regarding current racist, anti-indigenous legislation in Canada, and the spreading crises in indigenous territories. Now, over two weeks into her strike, Chief Spence is becoming increasingly weaker, and she needs our support. Her hunger strike is not a temporary, weekend fast, nor is it a publicity stunt. Chief Spence has vowed to remain on her hunger strike until the government of Canada responds, or until she dies. We cannot allow Canada's indifference to kill a caring and dedicated leader, demanding rights for her people, and for all people. Contact: https://twitter.com/ChiefTheresa; http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chief-Theresa-Spence-Hunger-Strike-Letters-Of-Support/122241324605948

Flood the offices of Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper with emails, phone calls, faxes, and letters of support for Chief Theresa Spence and Idle No More.

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.

Prime Minister

Parliament Hill:

Telephone: 613-992-4211

Fax: 613-941-6900

Department:

Prime Minister of Canada

Langevin Building

80 Wellington Street

Ottawa, Ontario

K1A 0A2

Telephone: 613-992-4211

Fax: 613-941-6900

E-Mail: pm@pm.gc.ca

500 Join "Idle No More" Support Flash Mob in Denver

Colorado AIM members joined hundreds of other Native and non-Native supporters of the Idle No More movement, as we took over a portion of Cherry Creek Mall in Denver on Saturday, December 29, 2012. The "flash-mob" was organized by four young Native women from Denver, some of whom are AIM members, via Facebook. The point of the gathering was to support the Idle No More movement demanding indigenous peoples' rights in Canada, and in support of Chief Theresa Spence, who is now in the 17th day of a hunger strike in Ottawa, demanding a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The flash-mob was led by about twenty hand drums, who sang a round dance song, the AIM song, and an honor song, before the crowd dispersed. ANother rally is planned for December 31 at the Canadian Consulate in Denver.

IDLE NO MORE  Is a movement that was begun by four courageous women in Saskatchewan, Canada, in November, 2012, to combat vicious legislative attacks (especially Bill C-45) on First Nation indigenous peoples by the government of Canada. Since that time, Idle No More has captured the imagination and attention of indigenous peoples and their allies, all over North America, and across the globe. Idle No More calls on all people to join in a revolution that honors and fulfills Indigenous liberation, which protects the land and water. Colonization continues through attacks to Indigenous peoples’ rights and damage to the land and water. We must repair these violations, live the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship, work towards justice in action, and protect Mother Earth. On December 10th, Indigenous people and allies stood in solidarity across Canada to assert Indigenous decolonization, and to begin the work towards sustainable, renewable development. All people will be affected by the continued damage to the land and water and we welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies to join in creating healthy sustainable communities. We encourage youth to become engaged in this movement as you are the leaders of our future. There have always been individuals and groups who have been working towards these goals – Idle No More seeks to create solidarity and further support these goals. We recognize that there may be backlash, and we encourage people to stay strong and united in spirit. Contact: http://idlenomore1.blogspot.com; www.idlenomore.com

CHIEF THERESA SPENCE  To focus awareness on the broad range of issues that have been raised by "Idle No More," Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat First Nation, on James Bay in northern Canada, began a hunger strike on December 11, demanding that Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper, and the Queen of England, meet with Spence and other First Nation leaders regarding current racist, anti-indigenous legislation in Canada, and the spreading crises in indigenous territories. Now, over two weeks into her strike, Chief Spence is becoming increasingly weaker, and she needs our support. Her hunger strike is not a temporary, weekend fast, nor is it a publicity stunt. Chief Spence has vowed to remain on her hunger strike until the government of Canada responds, or until she dies. We cannot allow Canada's indifference to kill a caring and dedicated leader, demanding rights for her people, and for all people. Contact: https://twitter.com/ChiefTheresa; http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chief-Theresa-Spence-Hunger-Strike-Letters-Of-Support/122241324605948

 Flood the offices of Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper with emails, calls and faxes, in support of Chief Spence and Idle No More. Harper’s Tel.: 613-992-4211; Fax: 613-941-6900; email: pm@pm.gc.ca

First Nations Continue Struggle Across Canada in Sub-Zero Temperatures

Idle No More protest closes streets in downtown Edmonton

400 activists join marchers nationwide in support of treaty rights

BY ELISE STOLTE, EDMONTON JOURNALDECEMBER 22, 2012

EDMONTON - Idle No More protesters shut downtown streets Friday as they marched from Walterdale Bridge to Canada Place and held a round dance in the middle of Jasper Avenue.

About 400 aboriginal activists and supporters marched the distance in -20 C temperatures with a stiff wind, as more people followed in vehicles and joined the group along the way.

The grassroots movement, organized locally by teachers and law students through social media, was echoed in cities across the county, in the United States and even London, England. More than 1,000 protesters descended on Ottawa, and many of the regional protests shut down significant intersections and highways.

“We’re doing this peaceful, non-violent. There will be an escalation of peaceful, non-violent methods after this,” said Gitz Crazyboy, a member of the Piikani First Nation who drove to Edmonton from his job in Fort McMurray for the protest.

“We’re already seeing it across the country,” he said, pointing to numerous temporary highway blockades. “If Theresa Spence dies, I can’t tell you what will happen.

“If (Prime Minister Stephen Harper) is willing to let one of our beautiful leaders starve, what does that say about what he thinks of the rest of us?” said Crazyboy, after leading the group chanting its support for Spence outside Canada Place.

Spence, chief of the Attawapiskat First Nation in northern Ontario, has been on a hunger strike since Dec. 11.

She is living in a teepee just off Parliament Hill, calling on Harper and the Queen or her representative to meet with First Nations leaders and renew a more respectful relationship.

Idle No More supporters have been calling on the federal government to amend Bill C-45, an omnibus bill that delisted many rivers from environmental protection.

Protesters say the bill also made significant changes to the Indian Act without consultation or support from First Nations leaders.

Organizers in Edmonton said Mikisew Cree Chief Steve Courtoreille announced on Friday that his nation will start legal action against the bill. Courtoreille was not immediately available for confirmation or clarification. The Mikisew Cree are located north of Fort McMurray near Alberta’s oilsands.

Neither Harper nor Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan were available for comment Friday.

“The Government remains willing to work with Chief Spence, and all chiefs, to deliver better outcomes for First Nations communities. Minister Duncan has repeatedly offered to meet with Chief Spence but has not as yet received a response from her,” said Julie Vaux, spokeswoman for Harper, in an email.

“Regarding the idle no more protests, our government will continue to respect the right to peaceful protest. We recognize that more work is required to achieve our shared goal of healthier, more self-sufficient First Nation communities, but we believe the best way to do that is by working together,” said Duncan, according to an email sent by his spokesman.

Signs at the downtown Edmonton event read, “Hey Harper, Your ‘Check Injun’ light is on,” “One nation, one tribe, one fire” and “Stop bill C-45.”

“I am here to support my people and keep my treaty rights,” said Caroline Houle, a nursing assistant who wrapped herself in a blanket to march.

“It’s so cold. It’s amazing to see the people standing here united,” added Melina Laboucan, a member of the Lubicon First Nation who also works with Greenpeace.

She helped organize the rally. “It’s amazing to see people across the country saying no, enough is enough,” she said.

Many non-aboriginal people joined the march, lending their voice to ask for change.

“It’s not just a First Nations thing. The treaties are signed by two entities. Everyone has the right to be indignant,” said university student Fraser Mah.

“It feels as if these things are coming to a head and starting to move forward,” added his friend Alix Krahn.

Occupy Edmonton members handed out free hot chocolate as the group passed McDougall United Church on 101st Street.

Michelle White said she was at the first protest earlier this month and she sees the movement growing as people share the news and become excited. “It (the news) spread like wildfire,” she said, crediting social media.

She comes from a long line of aboriginal activists, she said. Her sign read “Bill C-45 sparked the revolution #idlenomore.”

Friday’s rally followed rallies across the country Dec. 10, as well as a week of highway blockades and shopping centre flash mobs.

estolte@edmontonjournal.com

Idle No More - First Nations Rise Up in Canada

Idle No More: Indigenous Brothers and Sisters Taking the Initiative for a Better Tomorrow

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/article/idle-no-more-indigenous-brothers-and-sisters-taking-initiative-better-tomorrow-146378

ICTMN STAFF

December 17, 2012

Idle No More began with four women—Nina Wilson, Sylvia McAdam, Jessica Gordon, and Sheelah McLean—who share a vision of uniting people to ensure the protection of Mother Earth, her lands, waters and people.  We began by focusing on a piece of legislation called Bill C-45, which attacks the land base reserved for Indigenous people and removes protections for hundreds of our waterways. In November of 2012, we organized a mass teach-in at Station 20 West in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, called Idle No More. This teach-in included guest speakers, petitions again Bill C-45 of the Omnibus Bill, and discussion of our next steps.  That day, we developed plans for more teach-ins, with the goal of building consciousness in a grassroots movement that will resist the impending legislation. A week later plans were in effect for teach-ins, rallies, and protests across Saskatchewan and on to Winnipeg, Manitoba and Edmonton, Alberta.  The four of us supported organizers in other centers and used social media—primarily facebook (http://www.facebook.com/IdleNoMoreCommunity) and twitter (#idlenomore)—to build this movement. We discussed and planned a national day of action for Dec. 10th—which quickly became one of the largest Indigenous mass movements in Canadian history. Now teach-ins, rallies and protests are spreading across Canada with another goal of joining Turtle Island's Indigenous peoples and allies on Dec. 21st.

Although Idle No More (INM) is a national movement which includes thousands of people, it has not gained national media attention. However,  APTN has documented many of the events, and there have been some key moments in the movement. For example, On December 4th, AFN Chiefs were urged by INM organizers to walk to Parliament Hill and protest the current legislative attacks. As well, on December 10th, Chief Theresa Spence from Attawapiskat joined the INM movement by fasting until PM Harper and a representative of the Crown meet to address the oppressive conditions for Indigenous peoples in Canada by revisiting the Treaty relationship. Many Canadians have joined Chief Spence in fasting.

Idle No More is a cry for justice that has spread across Canada, flowing into the United States and other global countries.  This age old resistance began centuries ago as Indigenous nations and their lands, suffered the impacts of exploration, invasion and colonization. The Treaties—meant to be nation to nation agreements—have been broken time and again since their inception.  These ongoing tensions stem from the colonial governments' knowledge that Indigenous people have inherent rights to sovereignty, their territories and the resources. These inherent rights mean that the day to day practices of Canadian institutions are illegitimate, and illegal—every day that the spirit and intent of the treaties is not honored or fulfilled, inequality between Indigenous people and the settler society grows.

This INM movement began from the deep concerns of the women as we face a foreign government that chooses not to work with us, and disregards our Treaty and how this has directly impacted our people in the most insidious ways, and over a long extended period of time.  We are literally dying and the Woman Spirit, has called and the awakening is now.  We have many in solidarity with us, and we promote peace, as it is crucial in our treaty.  As a beyond marginalized people, our true story is not being covered or told, the erasure has begun.  Don’t let this happen to the women, the heartbeat of the world, or all else will fail. The White Buffalo Calf Woman teachings need to be honored…

Idle No More calls on all people to join in a revolution which honors and fulfills Indigenous sovereignty and protects the land and water. All people will be affected by the continued damage to the land and water and we welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies to join in creating healthy sustainable communities. We encourage youth to become engaged in this movement as you are the leaders of our future. There have always been individuals and groups who have been working towards these goals—Idle No More seeks to create grassroots solidarity. We encourage people to organize community gatherings, share knowledge and support, and stay strong and united in spirit as we move forward together.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Jessica Gordon is from Pasqua Treaty 4 Territory, and has always been a contributing part of her community in many ways that includes working within non-profit community based service organizations and volunteering on committees and boards. Sylvia McAdam (Saysewahum) is a direct descendant of Treaty makers and is from the Treaty 6 territory. She has her law degree and currently resides in the Whitefish Lake Reserve lands #118. Nina Wilson is Nakota and Plains Cree from White Bear Treaty 4 territory, and is currently completing a Master’s degree. Sheelah McLean is from Treaty 6 territory, and a 3rd generation immigrant whose Scottish and Scandinavian ancestors settled from Western Europe.  Born and raised in Saskatoon, Sheelah is an anti-racist anti-colonial teacher and activist.