Over 40 people gathered in Spirit Square on Dec. 29 as part of the national Idle No More campaign.
The growing First Nations campaign, which has gained national momentum, is meant to show opposition of many of the Harper government’s policies, specifically ones many First Nations groups see as impacting treaty rights.
The movement has gained international attention, especially since the hunger strike by Attawaspikat Chief Theresa Spence on Victoria Island in Ottawa in order to obtain a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
On a liquid-only diet for 25 days, Spence and her supporters finally received word last week from the Prime Minister’s Office, he would agree to meet with her.
A handout at the local Fort St. James event drew attention to a number of Harper government-introduced bills changing the rules governing First Nations.
The bills talked about in the handout with points on their potential negative impacts were: Bill C-45: Jobs and Growth Act, the Omnibus budget bill, which made changes to surrendering reserve lands and the Navigable Waters Act; Bill C-428: Indian Act Amendment and Replacement Act; Bill S-2: Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act; Bill S-6: First Nations Elections Act; Bill S-8: Safe Drinking Water for First Nations; First Nation Education Act; Bill S-212: First Nations Self-Government Recognition Bill and FNPOA; and Bill C-27: First Nations Financial Transparency Act, which requires First Nation governments to open up their finances to more public scrutiny.
Members of Nak’azdli, Tl’azt’en, Yekooche, and Saik’uz were present at the rally, as were a few non-First Nations.
Nak’azdli Chief Fred Sam spoke to those gathered, as did Justa Monk of Tl’azt’en and some others.
“It’s not just about First Nations,” said Sam. “It’s about all Canadians.”
“It’s about our children and grandchildren - it’s their future,” he said. Sam also spoke about the importance of involving the municipalities in the movement.
“We need their strength,” he said.
This sentiment was echoed by Nicolette Prince as well, who said Fort St. James and Nak’azdli could be leaders in this by working together.
“There’s mutual benefit to living together,” she said.
“We need a plan,” she said. “We have to make that voice very very strong.”
Debbie Prince called for the nations in the territory to gather together to form a council.
“We need unity amongst us,” she said.
Justa Monk said the movement to stand against some of the development and policies should have started 50 years ago.
Drumming and songs rounded out the gathering on the frosty Saturday, with sun breaking through the dense cloud as snow sparkled in the cold winter air.