Aamjiwnaang First Nation youth shutdown CN rail line to support saving Chief Theresa Spence
First Nations blockade in southwestern Ontario continues for third day
The Canadian Press
- Dec. 23, 2012
SARNIA, Ont. -- The mayor of Sarnia says city police do not plan to
shut down a CN Rail blockade by First Nations activists as long as no
one is hurt in the protest.
Mike Bradley says CN obtained a court injunction that leaves it to police in the southwestern Ontario city to decide whether to end the three-day-old blockade.
Blockade spokesman Ron Plain says the protests are being led by young Aamjiwnaang First Nation members, who met Sunday with representatives from CN, as well as Bradley and Sarnia's police chief.
Dozens of demonstrators set up tables, tents and vehicles on and around the track Friday as part of the national Idle No More protests.
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They say the blockade of the commercial-rail corridor will continue until Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with Attiwapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, who is on a hunger strike to bring attention to aboriginal issues.
Bradley says the city doesn't support the blockade, but backs the call by local protesters to speak with Sarnia Conservative MP Patricia Davidson, who did not attend the meeting.
He said protesters and CN continue to discuss the rail stoppage.
"There are discussions going on back and forth," Bradley said.
"We're in the middle trying to be the peacekeepers and ensure that there is no one who is hurt."
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From Facebook
The Aamjiwnaang First Nation are blocking the CN rail in support of the #idlenomore movement until Harper meets with Spence.
From a Facebook post: Aamjiwnaang Citizens are indicating they will continue the blockade until Chief Teresa Spence is granted a meeting with Prime Minister Harper, and there is recognition of the historical injustice inflicted upon the community. Following a community meeting this morning, and a meeting with the Mayor of Sarnia, Chief of Police and CN Rail representative, citizens of Aamjiwnaang have determined to maintain the blockade until community demands are met. Aamjiwnaang citizens are calling on all allies to come support the blockade. Bring WARM clothes and good intentions. Accepting food, wood and warm clothes donations
Aamjiwnaang Citizens agreed to the following demands
1. Letters of support from the Mayor of Sarnia, CN Rail, MP Pat Davidson, and industry telling Harper to meet with Chief Spence.
2. We will consider leaving when this meeting has taken place.
3. That Harper respect and consult on a nation-to-nation basis.
Media Contact:
Ron Plain(226) 932-1516
Support the Aamjiwnaang #IdleNoMore Blockade!