Idle No More is just beginning

Ottawa releases First Nations education plan after IdleNoMore protests sweep country

By Jorge BarreraFacing mass country-wide protests under the banner of IdleNoMore, the Conservative government unveiled its plans for proposed First Nations legislation Tuesday only to have it met by immediate derision.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) blasted the Harper government’s planned consultations on the proposed legislation as nothing more than a “dog and pony show.” The AMC said Ottawa’s plan to spend a week in Winnipeg next March did not qualify as extensive consultation.

“A week spent in Winnipeg…is not consultation as they should be going to all First Nation communities if one is to do ‘intensive consultation,’” said the statement.

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations vice-Chief Simon Bird also panned the consultation plan, which scheduled one week in Saskatoon next February, as another example of the Harper trying to strong-arm First Nations.Samson Cree Nation to launch blockade in support of IdleNoMore and Attawapiskat chief’s hunger strikeMembers of the Samson Cree Nation plan to block an Alberta highway Wednesday in support of IdleNoMore and Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence’s hunger strike.

The Samson Cree Nation issued a statement Tuesday saying the blockade of provincial Hwy 2A would begin at 11:15 a.m. local time and run until 12:15 p.m. The blockade will shut down a portion of the highway between Hwy 611 West and the Pe Sakastew Correctional Centre, the statement said.

The statement said the blockade will be peaceful.

“Pipes will be lifted in support of IdleNoMore,” said the statement. “The presence of the pipe signifies the pipe laws of gentleness, compassion and mutual respect.”Indigenous leaders say Idle No More protests just the beginning

Comment:  For more on the subject, see Origin of Idle No More and Idle No More Day of Action.