REGINA – It’s been over a week since protesters have set up camp outside the Indigenous Northern Affairs Canada (INACT) office on Albert Street in Regina.
The group is part of a nation wide movement called OccupyINAC, which began after the suicide crisis in Attawapiskat First Nation.
READ MORE: Suicide attempts in Attawapiskat prompts visit from indigenous affairs minister
Although similar occupations in Toronto and Vancouver have ended, the camp in Regina says they’re not leaving anytime soon.
READ MORE: Protest held outside Regina Indigenous and Northern Affairs office, doors closed to public
The “Colonialism No More Solidarity Group” released two demands Monday.
“We’re asking that INAC open their doors and serve the public like they’re supposed to and serve the people they’re supposed to serve,” Sue Deranger, a member of the group, explained.
The second request called for more talks between the camp and INAC offices.
“Come down and dialogue with us. Like come on, if someone was camped on my front door I’d want to talk to them.”
“They have made no effort to come down.” – Deranger
The occupation said there’s no timeline on when they will pack up. “The Indian Act has been around for 140 years, but if it takes that long…” Deranger said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be in Saskatchewan Tuesday.
He will be meeting with the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council chiefs in Fort Qu’appelle.
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