Yes Keith, this is very much what the Mayans believe a time of transition from one era to another. It is sad to think there are some people who were terrified of the day thinking it was The End Of The World.
I was also intrigued to note also that at the same time as if in synchrony the First Nations of the north are gathering together under 'Idle No More' and the Zapatistas are once again on the move marching in their thousands in silence.
Quote:First Nations Idle No More protests continue across Canada
Global News and The Canadian Press Saturday, December 22, 2012 10:41 AM
OTTAWA - As hundreds gathered for Idle No More protests across Canada, one of the Saskatoon women who launched the movement recalled its beginnings.
Sheelah McLean says and others met in the city to discuss how they might affect change, deciding to hold a number of -- in her words -- "teach-ins."
She says the movement has ignited long-standing issues among women and First Nations people across the country and now, even across the globe.
McLean says it's time for Canadians to look at their history of racism and sexism, and address the inequality that exists in society now as a result of that history.
Hundreds of First Nations protesters waved flags, chanted slogans and shook a collective fist at the federal government Friday as they gathered on Parliament Hill to put Canada on notice they would be "idle no more."
More than 1,000 protesters, a group stretching several city blocks, marched through the streets of the capital after meeting with Theresa Spence, the chief of northern Ontario's troubled Attawapiskat First Nation, who is on a hunger strike.
"We are tired of having the boot put to our head," Algonquin Chief Gilbert Whiteduck told the gathering beneath the Peace Tower under a steady barrage of snow.
"We want the government of Canada to come to the table in a spirit of unconditional openness and transparency."
Quote:Breaking News: By Votan LRI Writer-Today, 12-21-12, the Indigenous movement called EZLN ( Zapatista National Liberation Army) marched by the hundreds from the highlands of chiapas into cities to draw attention to i Indigenous issues which have been ignored or quelled by the Mexican government. Today they raise awareness addressing the 15th anniversary of the acteal massacre. The abuse of Native peoples in the cities and abroad! The march is said to culminate in an area where the privileged have placed an ice skating ring that has costed the city thousands, while Indigenous communities lack basic necessities!
Published on Monday, December 24, 2012 by Common Dreams
Canada's 'Idle No More' Movement Spreads Like Wildfire
Chief Theresa Spence on 14th day of hunger strike
- Craig Brown, staff writer
The 'Idle No More' movement, a campaign of grassroots First Nations protests, has spread like wildfire over the past week in response to bills passed by the conservative Canadian government.
First Nations protesters march towards Parliament Hill during a demonstration as part of the spreading 'Idle No More' movement in Ottawa, Canada, December 21, 2012. REUTERS/Chris Wattie Anger to the recently passed C-45, the Harper government omnibus budget bill, has fueled the growing movement.
Bil C-45 includes changes to the Canadian Indian Act regarding how reserve lands are managed, making them easier to develop and be taken away from the First Nation people.
The bill also removes thousands of lakes and streams from the list of federally protected bodies of water. "This is unacceptable. They have made a unilateral decision remove the protection of waterways... Shell Canada has proposed to mine out 21km of the Muskeg River, a river of cultural and biological significance. This ultimately gives the tar sands industry a green light to destroy vital waterways still used by our people," stated Eriel Deranger, Communication Coordinator for the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.
Atiwapiskat First Nation Chief Theresa Spence has been on a hunger strike since December 11th, resolved to starve herself to death unless Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets to discuss treaty rights, and Canada's relationship with its Indigenous peoples. She is currently living in a teepee on Victoria Island, in Ottawa, just a kilometer away from the Parliament buildings. So far, Harper has rejected calls to meet with Spence.
Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, center, sits between supporters Danny Matatawabin, left, and Angela Bercier in a teepee on Victoria Island in Ottawa during her hunger strike. (Photo; Julie Oliver, Ottawa Citizen)
"You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.â€
Buckminster Fuller
On Christmas Eve, a flash mob quickly grew at Limeridge Mall as the Native people of Canada and concerned citizens came together to voice their outrage at the Harper Government and raise awareness to the increasing attacks and violations on our human rights and this great country. Idle No More calls on all people to join in a revolution which honors and fulfills Indigenous sovereignty which protects the land and water. Colonization continues through attacks to Indigenous rights and damage to the land and water. We must repair these violations, live the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship, work towards justice in action, and protect Mother Earth.
On December 10th, Indigenous people and allies stood in solidarity across Canada to assert Indigenous sovereignty and begin the work towards sustainable, renewable development. All people will be affected by the continued damage to the land and water and we welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies to join in creating healthy sustainable communities. We encourage youth to become engaged in this movement as you are the leaders of our future. There have always been individuals and groups who have been working towards these goals -- Idle No More seeks to create solidarity and further support these goals. We recognize that there may be backlash, and encourage people to stay strong and united in spirit.
"The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it." Karl Marx
"He would, wouldn't he?" Mandy Rice-Davies. When asked in court whether she knew that Lord Astor had denied having sex with her.
“I think it would be a good idea” Ghandi, when asked about Western Civilisation.
Idle No More calls on all people to join in a revolution which honors and fulfills Indigenous sovereignty which protects the land and water. Colonization continues through attacks to Indigenous rights and damage to the land and water. We must repair these violations, live the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship, work towards justice in action, and protect Mother Earth
Native peoples in this country have endured much worse than the disrespect Prime Minister Harper showed on Dec 21, tweeting about "mmm… bacon" while Attiwapiskat Chief Theresa Spence was on Day 11 of a hunger strike that won't end unless he agrees to a meeting between himself, the Governor General and First Nations leaders including Spence.
But it is precisely at this point where respect would be worth so much. We have an uprising in this country for Native sovereignty, the Idle No More movement. This in a country where Harper 'apologized' for genocidal residential schools, yet the next year claimed on the world stage that Canada didn't have a history of colonialism, and where the residential schools Truth and Reconcialition Commission has just had to turn to the courts in order to get the government to turn over the historical records that it needs to do its job.
And in Chief Spence's community of Attawapiskat, when they were experiencing a housing crisis in the winter cold last year, Harper took leadership' of the situation by removing management of the community from the chief and council and putting it under third-party management, which a court later ruled was it was wrong to do. But contrary to what Jian Ghomeshi said (in an otherwise great piece) about Chief Spence being on hunger strike to get Harper to meet with her to discuss the situation on her reserve, Spence is in fact doing this on behalf of all Aboriginal people in Canada (and especially for the youth).
There is some recognition in this country that Aboriginal people have been unjustly treated, that there is validity to this movement to take the government to account and to demand better. And as such, the potential for broad public support for this movement is there. (And for those who cling to justifications against Native peoples, Maclean's has helpfully deciphered those arguments).
Chief Spence's actions are serving to supercharge this movement.
Idle No More started in Saskatchewan in November, and caught on through social media. It was this grassroots pressure, their people urging them to stand up against the government, that catalyzed some chiefs, who were having a meeting in Gatineau, to impromptly march to Parliament where a few tried to enter the House of Commons, causing a brief scuffle between them and security.
Chief Spence started her fast as the Idle No More movement continued to gather steam. She seems to have taken the lead from the grassroots people, and in turn they have taken her lead.
But in a lot of the reporting and discussion around the hunger strike, the very act of a hunger strike or fast is seemingly not understood fully.
Like many other hunger strikers, Chief Spence is issuing a demand that must be fulfilled for her to start eating again. But she is also engaging in a practice that is very much part of spiritual traditions of First Nations' culture.
I had the opportunity earlier this year to hear about fasting in a Native context, at a talk on Aboriginal perspectives on mental health. Carol Hopkins explained the cultural importance and philosophy behind such practice, telling a story of the power of doing without, of praying, of the intent that others have some first, and of how it is not about doing only for yourself, but doing it for everyone.
In this context, a fast/hunger stike as part of Idle No More (along with the many prayer ceremonies, drumming, round dance flash mobs, etc that have been happening) shows how the very Native culture that the people are standing up for is very much alive and experiencing a (re)surgence that can be a point of hope and solidarity in this country racked with so much present and historical pain and amnesia.
As poet/musician and former American Indian Movement leader John Trudell writes in the last stanza of his poem 'This Idle No More':
a real fast way to protect the spirit is to feed the spirit
real-ity of fast, a real fast, let the human sacrifice food
as well thought out decision not in emotional reaction
ceremony in spiritual offerings of self in physical groups
or alone, or together not alone, stand fast in idle no more
the ones who can, stand fast together in different places
stand fast real-ity fast together join the grandmothers fast
In Ottawa this past Wednesday, there was a community feast to feed Chief Spence's spirit as she continued her fast. This was another example of how fasting is not only an individual endeavour, but something that is supported by -- just as much as it is in support of -- the broader health of the community.
As some are engaged in solidarity fasting with Chief Spence, and so many more have her and the cause in her prayers, perhaps another way to be in support is to be mindful in your eating to be not only feeding yourself but also her spirit and that of all engaged in this awakening, this (re)surgence, this whatever you would describe it as.
Chief Spence said the pain had just become too much she is trying in her way To Make Medicine Out of Pain. … Chief Spence has presented a bridge to the real great divide in Canada between the First Peoples and the rest of us and it is an Indigenous bridge not the non-native bridge of law and rights and bureaucracy. She is sharing her pain and her heart in a very visible way, and in her way in a sense it is the spirit of the Friendship and Welcoming and Sharing Wampum, inviting us all to her heart.
The bridge she is creating is not only unifying Native peoples in this country, but also offering the whole country a way forward.
Someone commented that this movement is being seen as 'almost as big as Oka,' referring to the moment in Canadian history that catalyzed Native pride perhaps as never before. Perhaps this present moment can catalyze a unified movement large enough to bring about lasting practical and structural change in the relationship between the Canadian state and the original peoples of this land, and between all of us who call this land home.
Greg Macdougall is an activist and writer who maintains the website EquitableEducation.ca
"You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.â€
Buckminster Fuller
By Kenneth Jackson APTN National News
As members of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation enter their fourth day of blocking a railway line running through their reserve in Sarnia, Ont., the mayor of the city is now questioning why Prime Minister Stephen Harper won't just meet with First Nation leaders, the main demand of the protesters.
The Aamjiwnaang protesters say they're acting in solidarity with Attawapiskat First Nation Chief Theresa Spence who is in her 14th day of a hunger strike in Ottawa to force a meeting.
"I don't understand why Stephen Harper can't unite Canadians by saying yes, we will meet at the highest level possible and talk about these issues.' There is a solution there and it's not a difficult one. That's the frustration," said Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley
Bradley said municipal officials have no intention of shutting the blockade down through force because they don't want to impair relations between the City of Sarnia and Aamjiwnaang First Nation, which sits within the boundaries of the city.
"This is an issue between the First Nations and the federal government and the community and the police service is in the middle. Our concerns are we have a very good relationship," said Bradley. "CN (Rail) wants to ship products and get that line back open and we're saying you're going to have to live with some disruption until we can resolve this issue. Our long-term relationship is much more important to us as a community."
The blockade began Friday and won't stop until Harper gives in to the demands of Spence, said blockade spokesman Ron Plain.
Plain said they are disrupting shipments to dozens of oil refineries in an area known as Chemical Valley.
He said CN representatives came to them Sunday trying to negotiate a closure of the blockade by promising to write Prime Minister Harper and urging him to meet with First Nation leaders.
"We made them blink. They came to us (Sunday) to get us off the tracks. CN and companies of Chemical Valley are willing to write a letter to Harper telling him they want Harper to meet with Chief Spence," he said. "Tha's all well and good but until the meeting takes place we won't consider taking it down. But the fact that we made them blink tells you something."
CN Rail spokesman Jim Feeny said they are calling on the local and federal governments to stop the "illegal" blockade.
"Some plants are facing shutdowns if service is not resumed. It could potentially affect the supply of various products, including propane," said Feeny.
Plain said they have moved their blockade once after being served with a court injunction by CN police but now believe they are in a position where the courts can't touch them.
"The CN police came to the first site we were at and handed us an injunction to have us removed. There is several sites where these tracks cross reserve roads and there is one road in particular where there was no agreement ever made with the Indian agents over the road because the road didn't exist when the Indian agents were around," he said. "They don't have permission to cross that road so that's where we moved the blockade to on the second day and we have been there since. They can't issue an injunction to that piece of road because they don't have legal crossing on that road."
Plain said the crossings were negotiated back in the 1960s and because Chemical Valley grew so fast there are some crossings CN doesn't have permission to cross.
"We have several of these holes in their legislation because of Chemical Valley, because it was built so fast," he said.
Bradley said he hadn't heard of this and was going to look into it. He was told there is a court date scheduled for Thursday to deal with the court injunction. As far as he knows police have the right to stop the blockade but will not.
Plain also said they've been told their blockade is causing $5 million dollars a day in economic disruption but Bradley said while there is disruption he hasn't heard of that number.
Feeny said CN Rail is in a legal position to shut the blockade down and while there is some economic affect it's too early for CN to say how much per day. http://aptn.ca/pages/news/2012/12/24/sar...own-mayor/
Meanwhile, Aamjiwnaang members were also planning to shutdown Highway 402 and the Blue Water Bridge Monday halting traffic across the United States border.
"The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it." Karl Marx
"He would, wouldn't he?" Mandy Rice-Davies. When asked in court whether she knew that Lord Astor had denied having sex with her.
“I think it would be a good idea” Ghandi, when asked about Western Civilisation.
#Idle No More Rallies Across the World! View the Google Map here: http://bit.ly/ZWzvNA (SHARE THIS!) IDLE NO MORE UPCOMING EVENTS ACROSS THE WORLD (in order by place and date included below)
All allies: Make this your profile photo if you support #idle No More!!>> http://on.fb.me/VwQnCZ<<
FOUR DAY FAST (FEAST TO FOLLOW) IN HONOR OF CHIEF TERESA SPENCE - IDLE NO MORE
Thursday, December 27 at 12:00am until December 31 at 12:00pm in CST Regina, Sask: http://www.facebook.com/events/183266951818348/
Blockade-Idle No More - Long Plain highway 305 bridge
Friday, December 28, 2012 9:00am until 1:00pm in UTC-06 Long Plain, MB 305 highway bridge: www.facebook.com/events/279417212180065/
"Idle No More" Flash Mob RoundDance-Animas Valley Mall, Farmington New Mexico
Wednesday, Dec 26th, 2012 6:00 pm MST Farmington, New Mexico: http://www.facebook.com/events/485571974820081/
IDLE NO MORE Flash Mob - Lambton Mall
Next Seattle #IdleNoMore Action:
Spinning Wind Next one- Idle No More Seattle
December 29 at 1:00pm
Westlake Center in Seattle, Washington
(No link provided)
There's a google map of all the worldwide #IdleNoMore events and rallies scheduled, find your local rally below! Communities that have taken part now includes over 111 #idlenomore events in 90 places and growing! View the Google Map here >http://bit.ly/ZWzvNA<
Map courtesy of the fantastic work of Tim Grows
If you're helping to organize a rally that isn't showing, please email the map admin below.- "If you are interested in collaborating on this map, have information you want shared on it, or want to email for any reason you can reach > timgrovesreports@gmail.com
#idlenomore RoundDance FlashMobs happening EVERYWHERE in support of your First Nations brothers and sisters
TORONTO! MUST WATCH>>http://bit.ly/V8uISw
Idle No More Toronto On December 21. 2012 Over 1000 people took part in the Idle No More FlashMob Round Dance, Over 8 rows people deep stopped the busiest intersection in Canada @ Yonge-Dundas Square in downtown Toronto as part of the #IdleNoMore rallies happening in solidarity with First Nations across Canada and the world.
Watch The Video here: >>http://bit.ly/Zp4F0P<<
SASKATOON!
Idle No More FlashMob Took Over Saskatoon's Midtown Plaza shopping mall -Over 2000 people showed up on December 20, 2012 for an Idle No More Flashmob round dance.
Watch The Video here: >>http://bit.ly/XSihvh
ALBERTA!
Idle No More Flash Mob in Lethbridge, Alberta,
December 21, 2012
Watch The Video here: >>http://bit.ly/YzEMtQ
EDMONTON!
A round dance flash mob at West Edmonton Mall for Idle No More on December 18, 2012.
Watch The Video here: >>http://bit.ly/Tgz0IW
WINNIPEG!
IDLE NO MORE takes over Portage Place shopping Mall Flash Mob Round Dance - December 22, 2012
Watch The Video here: >>http://bit.ly/WG0sUZ
CALGARY!
#idlenomore flash mob round dance at the core (td square), downtown Calgary! - December 22, 2012
Watch The Video here: >>http://bit.ly/ZrPDYd
BURNABY B.C !
#IDLENOMORE Round Dance @ Metrotown mall Dec 22, in Burnaby, BC on unceded Coast Salish Territories.
Watch The Video here: >>http://bit.ly/105jV25
MANITOBA!
Dec 22, 2012- Idle No More Flash Mob Round Dance at Brandon Shopper's Mall Manitoba
Watch The Video here: > http://bit.ly/UlQTYM
MONTANA, U.S.A!
#Idle No More flash mob round dance in Billings, MT
December 22, 2012
Watch The Video here: >>http://bit.ly/VZhxmQ
Idle No More is the most significant social movement of 2012. Idle No More was started by four aboriginal Saskatchewan women who are angry that the Harper government failed to consult with aboriginal leaders before amending and passing legislation that directly impacts aboriginal treaty rights and Canada's protected waterways. Idle No More calls on all people to join them in solidarity which honors and fulfills Indigenous sovereignty which protects the land and water. Colonization continues through attacks to Indigenous rights and damage to the land and water. We must repair these violations, live the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship, work towards justice in action, and protect Mother Earth. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/winter-fails-to-slow-idle-no-mores-momentum/article6699001/ http://idlenomore1.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_11.html
Canada, it's time. We need to fix this in our generation!
Contrary to what some media outlets are reporting, Chief Teresa Spence is is not only on a hunger strike "to protest Bill C-45 or even the deplorable treatment her community has received since declaring an national emergency last year. She has vowed to continue her hunger strike until the prime minister, the Queen or a representative, agrees to sit down in good faith with First Nations leaders to rebuild what has become a fractured and abusive relationship. She is staying in a tipi on Victoria Island, which sits below Parliament and the Supreme Court of Canada." http://apihtawikosisan.com/2012/12/16/canada-its-time-we-need-to-fix-this-in-our-generation/
"YOU Need to speak for Chief Theresa Spence! She has gone without food, she is too weak to speak for herself, so YOU must do it. Speak...Loudly...Now is not the time to be polite...Speak...Loudly...use your voice together...so that the world can hear you...go to the places where we are not allowed to go...Speak for her.....Amazing. They shut down the intersection! Chief Theresa Spence is on a hunger strike, she will not end it until she is dead, or until she can meet face to face with Stephen Harper to discuss the pain her people are feeling..." http://www.idlenomore1.blogspot.ca/2012/12/aerial-view-of-toronto-round-dance.html
Everyone needs to watch and share Chief Teresa Spence's Message to all people -Interview with Chief Theresa Spence on December 21st, 2012 from the site of her hunger strike in Ottawa.
Video>>http://bit.ly/TgUZ3J<<
A powerful Native woman explains why Native people and allies are taking this action across Canada and the world!
Watch and share the video here>>http://bit.ly/RNAZYi
Message Via Chief Theresa Spence as she enters her 15th Day of her hunger strike "Chief is still strong, very much alive today - thank you Creator for giving us hope and reason to live! Unity and strength is key to success." AND "Chief celebrated xmas eve w family and friends. Chief wishes all a very Merry Xmas and sends her love. Follow >>http://twitter.com/ChiefTheresa
>On December 4th Canada had over 2 million protected lakes, and over 8,500 protected rivers.
>On December 5th Canada now has only 97 Protected lakes and 62 protected rivers. (90 per cent of the protected lakes are on 1% rich conservative territory) Thanks to Stephen Harper
>>Click here for facts>>http://on.fb.me/VwjDtM
MUST READ: "Aaron Paquette, A First Nations artist does a wonderful job of highlighting why this is not just about our first Nations peoples. It is about EVERYONE in Canada: http://www.aaronpaquette.net/?p=1260
Why Idle No More' is gaining strength, and why all Canadians should care
"Spence's hunger strike is not just about Attawapiskat. It is not just about housing or school funding. And it is not just about the omnibus budget Bill C-45, which eliminates federally protected waterways and facilitates the sale of reserve lands without consultation. It is about all of that and more. Spence's hunger strike is part of the Idle No More movement, which, in a matter of days, has become the largest, most unified, and potentially most transformative Indigenous movement at least since the Oka resistance in 1990. The fundamental issue is the nation-to-nation treaty relationship with Indigenous peoples that Canadian governments repeatedly flout by passing legislation without free, prior and informed consent."
source: http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/1305420--why-idle-no-more-is-gaining-strength-and-why-all-canadians-should-care
CHIEFS OF ONTARIO ISSUES URGENT OPEN LETTER TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN URGING DIRECT BRITISH CROWN INVOLVEMENT IN CHIEF THERESA SPENCE HUNGER STRIKE http://www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/node/461
Action Alert: Tell Harper You Support Idle No More and Chief Theresa Spence >>http://bit.ly/UWKUq5<<- Takes 30 seconds to make a difference! Fill the online auto form & tell Harper to meet with First Nations Leaders, include First Nations in decision-making, and observe and honour treaty rights. Hundreds of letters have been sent so far. Let's make it thousands, flood harper's email.
Public Response is voicing its support for the Idle No More movement and Chief Theresa Spence's hunger strike through its petition urging Harper to meet with First Nations leaders.
Takes 30 seconds to make a difference! Fill in online auto form here>>http://bit.ly/UWKUq5<<
"You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.â€
Buckminster Fuller
Quote:Approximately 20 MPs accepted Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence's invitation to meet with her Sunday afternoon in a teepee where she is holding firm to a hunger strike. In an open invitation to MPs and senators, Spence welcomed politicians to her teepee on Victoria Island in Ottawa on Sunday afternoon. The chief is entering the third week of a hunger strike in hopes of persuading Prime Minister Stephen Harper to meet with her and other aboriginal leaders. The chief of the Attawapiskat First Nation said she was "deeply humbled" by the outpouring of support she has received and she urged fellow First Nation leaders to demand action from the federal government.
Spence's demonstration is one of many displays of support for the burgeoning Idle No More movement, which urges Canadian lawmakers to protect First Nations treaty rights. Supporters have pointed to worrisome health and safety conditions on reserves and a portion of the Conservative budget bill that omits federal oversight of waterways, a move that was made without consulting aboriginal groups."This is a call to arms and a call to action in the most peaceful and respective way that reflects our natural laws as Indigenous nations," she said in the statement. "First Nations leadership need to take charge and control of the situation on behalf of the grassroots movement. We need to re-ignite that nation-to-nation relationship based on our inherent and constitutionally protected rights as a sovereign nation. We are demanding our rightful place back, here in our homelands, that we all call Canada." At the heart of Idle No More debate is the assertion that Ottawa has excluded First Nations leaders from discussions on Canada's natural resources, and other issues related to treaty obligations. Toronto Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett was among the visitors, and tweeted a photo from her visit with Spence, writing that it was "humbling and moving" to be meeting with the Attawapiskat leader. A number of visitors raised concerns about Spence's health. The Attawapiskat chief stopped eating solid food on Dec. 11 and has restricted her diet to lemon water, fish broth and medicine teas. "She's a very determined woman and she's heard the message from others that she's done what people think she needed to do, but she noted that the prime minister has not talked to anyone, or put out a message that he is willing to meet with leaders, and that's all she's asking for," New Democrat MP Paul Dewar told The Canadian Press on Sunday. Fellow New Democrat Craig Scott said the hunger strike is beginning to take a clear physical toll. "She's very peaceful in her demeanour, but that goes along with being quite weak now," Scott said. "She talks about sleeping more than she had earlier, in the first two weeks." Earlier Sunday, a large group of drummers, dancers and others gathered in Toronto's Eaton Centre to show their solidarity with Spence. Demonstrators also gathered by Harper's Calgary constituency office and a demonstration had been planned outside Alberta's legislature in Edmonton. Organizers have stressed that the demonstrations, taking place across the country, are to be peaceful. Various Idle No More rallies and demonstrations also took place in the United States. Previous Idle No More protests have included a blockade of a CN Rail line in Sarnia, Ont. and a massive demonstration that drew roughly 1,000 people to Parliament Hill. An earlier flash mob attracted aboriginal dancers and singers to the New Sudbury Centre shopping mall. Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq is among a growing chorus of people who have asked Chief Spence to abandon her fast and accept a meeting with Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan. Spence has so far rejected the invitation. Previously, Chief Spence also declined a meeting with Conservative Sen. Patrick Brazeau, an Algonquin who has encouraged the chief to respect "process" and call off her hunger strike. However, Spence has been visited in recent days by Liberal MP Justin Trudeau and former prime minister Joe Clark. In a statement issued after their meeting, Clark said he was concerned that relations between Canada and its First Nations were heading in a "dangerous direction." Even so, Clark said he found Spence's ambitions to be "humble and achievable." "My experience has been that direct and honest dialogue is always useful and sometimes essential, particularly in dealing with issues as complex and multi-faceted as the relations between First Nations and Canada," he said in the statement. Clark said friends in the First Nations community had encouraged him to meet with Spence and National AFN Chief Shawn Atleo managed to secure an invitation for him. With files from The Canadian Press
"You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.â€
Buckminster Fuller
Interactive map: 'Idle No More' rallies across Canada
In depth: A closer look at Idle No More and Bill C-45
Idle No More: First Nations activist movement grows across Canada
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