Idle No More appears to have changed tactics. In the early days of the Canada based First Nations rights and environmental movement, the emphasis was non-confrontational with the group trying to dissuade its followers from setting up blockades. Now, together with the group Defenders of the Land, they are calling on non-indigenous peoples to join indigenous communities in coordinated non-violent direct actions.
As they say in a statement released on March 20, “alternatives will only come through bold action.”
The statement came out as Idle No More was set to mark three days of action:
– Day of Ceremony and Resurgence March 20
– Idle No More Day of Action March 21
– Worldwide Water Day March 22
March 21 is also the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, an important day for a group that supports First Nations rights and includes a struggle to deal with the many problems in indigenous communities in Canada.
The partnership with the Defenders of the Land, which has been in existence since 2008, is now calling for a “Solidarity Spring” to precede a “Sovereignty Summer.”
They have joined together to issue this common call for escalating action. “Our demands are clear and in accordance with the principles of coexistence and mutual respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples,” the two groups said in a statement.
As they say, the demands include repealing sections of Bill C-45 that impact the environment along with Aboriginal and treaty rights; changing the electoral system to proportional representation; ensuring consultation happens before any legislation is introduced that impacts collective rights and the environment; the full implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; an end to the government’s policies of “extinguishment” of Aboriginal title; the full implementation of treaties; and active resistance to violence against women and a national inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women.
The groups say the government of PM Stephen Harper and corporate interests are very clear: to weaken collective rights, environmental protection and to turn Canada into an extract state. They say Indigenous Sovereignty and Treaty rights are the best and last line of defense to protect our lands, air and waters. These treaties, based in peace and friendship, are about protecting the essential relationship between First Nations and Canada.
“We were never conquered and we have never surrendered the right to govern or be stewards of our traditional territories,” they say.
“Across the country, people are increasingly supporting First Nations who are trying to protect lands, waters, and air for everyone,” said Sylvia McAdam, one of the founders of Idle No More.
Solidarity Spring
March 21 – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 30 – Global Day of Solidarity with the Unist’ot’en | https://on.fb.me/116J4Hg
April 22 – Earth Day | Decentralized actions – Coast to Coast to Coast
Sovereignty Summer #SS
Coordinated non-violent direct actions with allies
They are asking people to prominently include messaging on Indigenous and Treaty rights.
Idle No More has sparked an awakening of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples internationally in support for democracy, human rights and environmental protections. The movement is succeeding in raising global consciousness through education, cultural resurgence, and democratic political activism. Nothing can match the power of peaceful, collective action in the defense of people and Mother Earth.
