Idle No More protests have migrated to Athabasca.
Last Friday, Cecile Fausak and several other participants fasted for 24 hours in support of the hunger strike Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence has been enduring since Dec. 11.
A leading figure of the Idle No More movement ó a protest against the federal governmentís proposed changes to omnibus bill C-45 ó Spence has not eaten solid food since then, and is petitioning for a meeting with both the Prime Minister and Governor General.
ìSubsequently there has also been the adoption of several bills, not just the last bill of C-45, which has severely eroded many pieces of legislation that protect both indigenous rights and environmental protectionî Fausak stated. ìI think all those things were on the table today.î
Fausak gathered with interested citizens from Athabasca at the United Church to show their solidarity with the movement.
ìPeople gathered in a circle, Alfred Beaver offered a prayer and we all joined our prayers with his as we lit candles,î Fausak said describing the events that occurred on Friday. ìWe went on to comment about the importance of treaties that outline our relationship here in Canada.î
Events scheduled next week include the raising of a teepee at the town common in Athabasca on Tuesday at 10 a.m., and a circle dance and sharing circle on Wednesday at 3 p.m.
ìWe discussed the possibility of joining together to demonstrate our support with the Idle No More movement, (and) be in solidarity with Chief Spenceís fast to bring attention to the treaty relationships,î she explained.
During the meeting at the United Church, Fausak noted that the movement affects all Canadians and Aboriginal people.
ìI think it behooves us all to become much more educated and aware of what the relationship is and ought to be between indigenous peoples and those of us who came only in the last few hundred years,î she said. ìWe gathered to remember and show our solidarity for the leaders who are meeting today.î
Last Friday many communities showed their support for the movement.
ìThere is something quite strong happening across the country today,î she said. ìWe think it is very important that there be a resetting of the relationship showing respect, seeking justice for the first peoples of this country.î
