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