It’s being called a small victory for the ongoing “Idle No More” movement.
After weeks of First Nation protests from coast to coast, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Friday he’ll meet with First Nation leaders January 11th.
Local Idle No More organizer and Piikani band member, Abby Morning Bull, tells Global News she was thrilled to hear the news.
“When I first heard that, I was jumping for joy and I was so, so happy because it’s that first step. It’s a first step of coming together and having reconciliation,” she adds.
While Morning Bull believes the meeting is a step in the right direction, she says talks need to continue beyond the 11th.
Get daily National news
“It’s a great gesture but he needs to follow up with it and we need to make sure he’s not just listening but he’s hearing what we have to say” she says.
According to a release from the Prime Minister’s office, the meeting will focus mainly on treaty relationships, aboriginal rights and economic development.
Both Blood Tribe and Piikani band members met in Cardston Friday night to plan their next move as part of the Idle No More movement.
According to organizer Twila Singer, the announcement isn’t enough to keep protestors at bay because an announcement doesn’t resolve any core issues.
“We decided to just keep moving forward until some of the things that we think are paramount are actually brought to the table,” she adds.
Many happy to learn leaders from Southern Alberta will be attending the meeting, but many more glad to learn Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence will also be in attendance.
Spence has been surviving on water and fish broth since December 11th in an attempt to meet with the Prime Minister and Governor General.
She vows to continue to go without solid food until the meeting.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan will also be attending the meeting to be coordinated by the Assembly of First Nations.
Comments