401 Highway shut down by Idle No More protestors challenging Bill C-45 and supporting fasters
First Nations rally expected to close major London road Wednesday
By Jennifer O'Brien, The London Free Press -December 19, 2012
(JENNIFER O'BRIEN, The London Free Press)
Nearly 1,000 people are expected to take part in a peaceful rally that aims to raise awareness about issues that affect First Nations communities and shut down major roads in London Wednesday.
Organizers of London's Idle No More - a grassroots movement gaining momentum through social media and rotating protests across Canada - say Londoners can expect a convoy of protesters to shut down portions of Highway 401 and Wellington Road.
The convoy will include people of all ages from every First Nation in the region, and organizers are hopeful to have a large number of non-aboriginals as well.
"This is an outcry and it's meant to create awareness, not just for our own people, but for all Canadians," said Ray Deleary, senior policy analyst at Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, which has organized the London rally. "This is open to everyone."
Several laws being debated or recently passed are "positioned to eliminate First Nations' Treaty and Aboriginal rights by transferring federal responsibilities to the provinces," said a statement released by Chippewas of the Thames.
Supporters fear the shift in power could effectively turn First Nations into "special interest groups," and reserves would be treated the same as towns.
"We deserve the opportunity to participate in lawmaking. We deserve our treaty agreements to be honoured," said Deleary.
"The Canadian government continues to impose jurisdiction of the First Nations as if it has the right to legislate one particular community based on race," said Deleary.
"The title Idle No More is very fitting," he said. " It's not just a new idea, it's acknowledging enough is enough. We want to make sure everyone is aware of this issue and we are not going to stop until there is change."
Police will be at the rally and helping with traffic control.
"We are prepared and . . . from a motoring public point of view, we are working with organizers," said OPP Sgt. Dave Rektor.
The route (expect traffic delays on Highway 401 and Wellington Road):
9:30 A.M. - All participants to meet at the Best Western Stoneridge Inn near the intersection of Col. Talbot Road and HWY 401.
10 A.M. - Vehicle convoy to begin, taking up both eastbound lanes of Highway 401, stopping at 401/402 merger for short rally. From there convoy of vehicles and marchers will travel north on Wellington to Ivey Park at the Forks of the Thams.
1 P.M. (approximately) - gather for rally with speakers including Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Chief Joe Miskokomon.