Lenny Carpenter — Wawatay News

There are multiple reports indicating that Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence will end her sacred fast Jan. 24, but her spokesperson said it is only a possibility.
“The key word is ‘may.’ She may end it,” said Danny Metatawabin. “That’s up to Theresa and Raymond (Robinson).”
Metatawabin said an announcement will be made Jan. 24 in Ottawa.

After a joint meeting with First Nations leaders, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Govenor General David Johnston failed to materialize on Jan. 11, Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence continues her hunger strike.
But even as she entered Day 34 without eating any solid food, Spence does not fear what might happen if her demand is not met.
“I don’t even think about death, you know,” she said in her teepee, rummaging through her medicine boxes for sage. “I just wake up every morning and look forward to the day.”

From the beginning of her fast on Dec. 11, Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence has not been alone in forgoing food as she waits for Prime Minister Stephan Harper and Governor General David Johnston to agree to a meeting.
Lorraine Iahtail of Attawapiskat, Joseph Jean Sock of Elsipogtog, N.B., and Raymond Robinson of Cross Lake, Man., have all at some point joined Spence on Victoria Island to support her in what Spence calls a sacred fast.

On a cold night in Ottawa, the last piece of wood was placed in the sacred fire that had burned for 45 days on Victoria Island.
The fire had seen thousands of visitors, many ceremonies, and received tobacco offerings and prayers from across North America since it was ignited on Dec. 10.

Edmond Etherington travelled to Victoria Island with his family with the intention of only visiting Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence.
But after spending the day, Etherington and his father, step-mother and brother decided to stay until the end.
The 34-year-old Moose Cree member eschewed the politics behind the fast and instead focused on supporting the ceremonies, keeping the camp running, and protecting Spence.