Regina ‘Colonialism No More’ camp continuing protest 78 days later

When protesters across the country occupied the offices of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) in April, the groups vowed to stay until their demands were met.

In Toronto, the sit-in lasted nine days. Vancouver protesters left after six days.

However, outside the INAC office in Regina, the protest continues 78 days after it started.

READ MORE: Protest held outside Regina Indigenous and Northern Affairs office, doors closed to public

Since April, the camp on Albert Street has grown from a table and a few chairs to 11 sleeping tents, a large kitchen tent and a traditional teepee where group meetings and smudge ceremonies are held.

Prescott Demas joined the ‘Colonialism No More’ camp three days into the protest.

In those 78 days the group has faced hurdles, both man-made and natural.

READ MORE: Fence erected outside Indigenous and Northern Affairs office in Regina

Just days after ‘Colonialism No More’ set up camp, a fence was erected that pushed protesters further from the building. INAC said in a statement at the time that it did not request the fence. It was eventually taken down.

The group of protesters have also been at the mercy of mother nature. Demas said the building creates swirling winds that have uprooted tents and even the teepee.

“The wind was gusting around 70 [km/h] that day and it took the teepee onto Albert St.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The wind was gusting around 70 [km/h] that day and it took the teepee onto Albert St."

READ MORE: ‘Colonialism No More’ protestors mark one month outside Regina’s INAC office

Now the camp faces the threat of eviction from the building’s property manager. According to Demas, Anderson Builders Group 1989 Inc. has talked to the protesters about landscaping plans that would prevent the group from pitching their tents on the building’s property.

“He’s been opposed to us being here pretty much since the start,” Demas said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "He's been opposed to us being here pretty much since the start," Demas said.

When Global News reached out to Anderson Builders Group 1989 Inc. they provided no comment.

Protesters said Monday that they have no intentions of leaving their camp.

Colonialism No More lists their long-term demands as follows:

• that the true spirit and intent of the Treaties be upheld
• that the Treaty rights of urban, off-reserve Indigenous peoples be respected and upheld
• that the Indian Act be revoked