Since she began her protest, Spence has spent her days in isolation on the tiny aboriginal territory of Victoria Island, which sits across the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill.
Chief Spence’s strike has become the focal point for Idle No More, an aboriginal rights movement that has captured the imagination of Canada’s First Nations peoples.
Idle No More is an ongoing protest movement originating among young, First Nations and other natives as Metis and Inuit internet activists in Canada.
Started in November 2012, it has primarily been coordinated online via the website idlenomore.com, a related Facebook page, and the Twitter hashtag #idlenomore.
The movement was initially founded at a meeting of four women activists Nina Wilson, Sheelah Mclean, Sylvia McAdam and Jessica Gordon. Their first action, in November 2012, was a teach-in Station 20 West in Saskatoon called, “Idle No More”, held in response the Harper government’s introduction of Bill C-45, a large omnibus bill ostensibly about budget implementation, but which the activist say weakens enviromental protection laws. Many waterways that used to be protected are not protected. The number of rivers and lakes that used to be protected stood at 5 million. Since December 5, the government actions caused that number to drop to 82.
All these moves by the government have led to a series of teach-ins, rallies and protests. The movement then spread online when #idlenomore hashtag was first used by Edmonton activist Tanya Kappo. They have coincided with similar protest already underway in British Columbia over the Northern Gateway and Pacific Trails pipelines.
There have been “flash mob” protests on roads and in department stores.
Here is what the movement says:
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.
For more information, check out Idle No More.
