EDMONTON – “Idle No More” rallies were held across the country Monday, in what is being called “a national day of action and solidarity.”
First Nations and supporters are showing their opposition to Bill C-45.
The omnibus budget bill put forward by the Harper Government includes changes to the Indian Act, the Navigable Waters Protection Act, and the Fisheries Act. Bill C-45 includes significant changes to land management on reserves under the Indian Act. “Idle No More” organizers say the changes would make it easier for the federal government to control reserve land.
The movement started in Saskatchewan four weeks ago under the name “Idle No More.” Organizers held teach-ins to inform people on what they feel is a direct attack on the rights of First Nations.
“The people in our communities had absolutely no idea what we were facing, no idea what plans Stephen Harper had in store for us,” said Tanya Kappo, one of the organizers.
“Bill C 45 is not just about a budget, it is a direct attack on First Nations lands and on the bodies of water we all share from across this country,” added Sylvia McAdam, another organizer.
One of the rallies was held at Sir Winston Churchill Square in Edmonton. Hundreds of people participated in the peaceful demonstration.
“The treaties were set by our forefathers,” explains Clarence Whitstone of Onion Lake, Saskatchewan. “They lit the path for us, and if the legislation is passed down to us, like Bill C-45, then we’ll be losing our lands… there will be nothing left for future generations. That’s what we’re protecting here, that’s what we’re here for.”
“It’s important to me to join a rally like this and support the people in our community, our leaders,” says Connie Rain-Cree, of the Paul First Nation. “We have to stand together in unity, collectivity. You see all the people standing around here today. Everybody’s here for a purpose. People have no right to take what was meant to be ours.”
Shannon Houle, who helped organize the Idle No More rally, says the First Nations community has been waiting seven generations for the rights and respect owed them, and she’s not ready to sit silently by while this legislation is passed.
“Silence is consent. We never did surrender this land,” she says. “This is our land. We’re tired of being second-class citizens in a country – or a land – that’s ours.”
Whitstone agrees. He says, for a long time, legislation was debated behind closed doors, and First Nations people weren’t aware of the implications Bills like C-45 would have.
“It’s getting to the point now, we have to make a stand,” says Whitstone.
“People are starting to understand what’s happening, what’s being passed at the government level. They’re starting to understand now, that’s why there’s so many people.”
Whitstone attended a similar “Idle No More” rally in Regina and says it was even bigger than Edmonton’s.
“They’re concerned… You have to hear our opinion, you have to hear our voices, this is what it’s all about, we’re being heard.”
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