From CBC.ca

Chief 'energized' by Idle No More movement

First Nations protestors educate Thunder Bay residents about the Idle No More campaign

Dec 21, 2012

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation held a press conference in Thunder Bay to discuss Theresa Spence's hunger strike and the burgeoning Idle No More movement. (Josh Lynn/CBC)

More than 120 people rallied in Thunder Bay on Friday to demonstrate against pending federal legislation they say will violate First Nations treaty rights.

The event, held at Prince Arthur's Landing, got underway at noon, and included drumming, singing, and speeches.

The Idle No More Unity Rally in the Spirit Gardens at the Thunder Bay Marina saw more than 120 people came out to demonstrate against pending federal legislation. The event got underway at noon, and included drumming, singing, and speeches. (Nicole Ireland/CBC)

Organizers wanted to educate both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people about the Idle No More movement, and handed out information about the specific legislation in question.

At the same time, there was a rally near Highway 11/17 at Dawson Road.

Organizers said they held demonstrations in two locations in Thunder Bay to get their message out to more people - to drivers on the highway and to people in the city of Thunder Bay.

'I'm energized'

At a related event Friday, regional aboriginal leaders pledged their support for Theresa Spence. The Attiwapiskat chief is in the second week of her hunger strike in Ottawa.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation held a press conference in Thunder Bay to discuss the hunger strike and the burgeoning Idle No More movement.

"I think our people are going to make a stand, that's the sentiment I'm getting," said Harvey Yesno, NAN Grand Chief.

"I'm energized ... from the support I'm getting from individuals and ... community grass-roots people"

Yesno was to head to Ottawa to meet with Chief Spence Saturday morning.

"I think it's unprecedented what's happening, that community members are getting involved," he added.

"[For example, the] youth we had here, a delegation from a remote community, Poplar Hill ... a dozen of them came and they want to be part of this."

He said the message is getting out, even in remote communities with the help of "social media stuff" like Twitter and Facebook.

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Idle No More10:34

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From Charlie Angus MP, Timmins-James Bay Blog

Harper: Act Now Before Chief Theresa Spence Dies

Charlie Angus MP, Timmins-James Bay Posted: 12/21/2012

Chief Theresa Spence hasn't eaten in over 11 days. The weather has taken a big turn for the worse and her tent home on Victoria Island is far from ideal. With Christmas week upon us, there is a real danger that the war room gamers in the Prime Minister's office will think they can simply wait this one out. It would be a terrible miscalculation. Make no mistake, as Ottawa shuts down for the holidays, this hunger strike is entering a very volatile and high stakes phase.

I've been deeply worried about the timing of this Christmas hunger strike since Chief Spence first announced her attentions back on December 10. On the day she started her strike, Parliamentarians were focused on getting home for the holidays. It hardly seemed like an auspicious time to begin such a drastic action. She walked up to Parliament Hill with only a handful of supporters. There was no media present. I met her at the Eternal Flame and presented her with some presents of friendship -- wool socks, a candle and a tartan blanket. I asked her to reconsider her decision. She wasn't budging. This was a serious business and she told me she wasn't backing down.

I knew then I was watching the beginning of a revolution.

Last year, the diminutive leader from Attawapiskat was thrust into the international spotlight when she declared a state of emergency over the horrific conditions on the James Bay coast. As the Red Cross touched down with emergency aid, Prime Minister Stephen Harper lashed out against the community, and accused Chief Spence of financial mismanagement. He tried to put an end to the story by deposing the Chief and Council.

It was a serious miscalculation. Chief Spence not only defied the government, but took them to Federal Court where she won a resounding victory. The mishandling of the situation was a black eye for both Minister John Duncan and the Harper government. A little bit of diplomacy and a little bit of compassion would have gone a long way to resolving the crisis before it became an international embarrassment.

As Chief Spence said at the time, "When I declared an emergency, it wasn't my intention to cause embarrassment to Canada and I didn't plan this type of exposure. I just wanted to help my community."

It is a plea she would most likely repeat today as the hunger strike drags on. The question is what role will the Prime Minister play this time around? People often describe him as a "brilliant tactician," but tactics aren't enough to run a country. From a tactical point of view, he will no doubt assume that Christmas is the worst time to mount a protest because the public's attention is being diverted to home and family. He might also think that a winter hunger strike will sap the energy of the Chief quickly and bad weather will dampen public support rallies.

Yes, this is all true. But what Mr. Harper needs to understand is that he isn't the one holding the cards.
Hunger strikes are very volatile and potentially divisive actions. They stem from desperation and a belief that all other attempts to negotiate in good faith have been exhausted.

BLOG CONTINUES AFTER SLIDESHOW

Theresa Spence Rally on Parliament HillCharlie Angus

Chief Spence's actions have touched a chord of anger that has been brewing in First Nation communities for some time. And the physical crucible of a winter hunger strike will bring these issues to a head much quicker than the war gamers in the PMO can respond.

Yesterday, John Duncan shrugged off mass protests and unrest as a case of "that's social media. We'll see how it goes."

Well John, if Chief Spence gets sick in her tent over Christmas because of the refusal of the government to show some leadership, then it won't take a crystal ball to see where this is going. Hunger strikes have the potential to create martyrs and stir rage. One has only to remember the days of Bobby Sands and the bitter death strikes that rocked the U.K. in the 1980s.

Chief Spence has put her life on the line. This is not a game. This is not a stunt. Every day that Mr. Harper tries to wait out the crisis, the stakes rise higher. Mr. Harper has a very short window to show leadership. He needs to come the table and begin to address the issues that have driven so many First Nation communities into poverty and despair.

If Chief Spence gets sick or worse, this country will be crossing a political Rubicon. It will signal a historic rupture between the government of Canada and First Nation people. Stephen Harper has a narrow window to avert a potential tragedy. Last year, the Attawapiskat crisis became known as Canada's "Katrina" moment. Let us hope that political obstinance will not not result in the world seeing Canada's H-Block moment.

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From Netnewsledger.com

Ontario Regional Chief Beardy has sent an urgent open letter seeking Queen Elizabeth Intervention

Written by: James Murray on December 21, 2012.

Newly elected Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy

THUNDER BAY - Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy has sent an urgent open letter to Her Majesty the Queen urging direct British Crown involvement in the Chief Theresa Spence hunger strike. The move comes as Chief Spence from Attawapiskat enters day ten of her hunger strike. Governor General David Johnson has reportedly refused to answer questions on the hunger strike and requests from Chief Spence for a meeting.

Beardy wrote Queen Elizabeth seeking direct intervention in the current matters in Canada. "First Nations in Canada are under siege as a result of the draconian legislative and policy measures of the federal government under Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Chief Theresa Spence of the embattled Attawapiskat First Nation in Treaty 9 territory is currently engaged in a life-or-death hunger strike in Ottawa to protest the outrageous actions of the federal government. At this unprecedented moment of national peril, your direct intervention is urgently required. You remain the Monarch of Canada, in accordance with article 17 of the Canadian Constitution Act, 1867. Royal intervention is amply justified by the special historical relationship between First Nations in Canada and the Crown, and by the depravity of the actions of the current federal government".

Contrary to Canada's underlying message that the relationship between First Nations and the British Crown has ended, the letter explains that the legal and historical connection between the British Crown and treaty nations in Canada is still alive.

"The federal government is acting in equal and unremitting defiance of its international law obligations to First Nations. Some of these obligations and norms have been codified in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007), which applies to Canada. Article 32 of the Declaration provides that First Nations have the right to determine priorities and strategies for their land and resources. Article 37 obliges successor states like Canada to "honour and respect ... treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements" with First Nations. Article 19 requires the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) of First Nations before the adoption of state measures that might affect First Nation rights and interests. The Consent requirement in the international Declaration is parallel to the constitutional fiduciary obligation of Canada to consult and accommodate First Nations before adopting any problematic measures. This obligation has been confirmed on many occasions by the Supreme Court of Canada, based in part on article 35 of the Canadian Constitution Act, 1982″.

Regional Chief Beardy stated in the letter to Her Majesty that, "You remain the Monarch of Canada, in accordance with article 17 of the Canadian Constitution Act, 1867 and that at this unprecedented moment of national peril, your direct intervention is urgently required."

The letter cites article 25 of the Canada Constitution Act, 1982 for the continuing enforceability of the Royal Proclamation of 1763 in relation to Canada's repatriation. "This is precisely why Chief Theresa Spence is demanding to move an agenda forward with representatives of the British Crown-she is fighting for recognition of the long-standing relationship First Nations have had, starting with King George III, her Majesty's predecessor. It is time Canada understands this," stated Beardy.

The urgent open letter is making its way to Buckingham Palace and it is undetermined at this time if it will reach Her Majesty directly but all efforts will be made to ensure a response from Her Royal Highness. It has also been posted publicly for the world to view.

COO Urgent Open Letter to Her Majesty the Queen - Dec 20 2012

From outside Buckingham Palace in London, a group of supporters have shared this image of support for Idle No More. Photo courtesy of Henrietta Williams.