Thunder Bay joins cities in ‘Idle No More’ campaign

A Canadian flag was suspended upside down by Idle No More participants outside the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development of Canada (AANDC) office in Fort William First Nation on Dec. 10.
“In Canada, an upside down flag signifies distress,” Erin Bottle, a Mishkeegogamang First Nation member, told the crowd of about 50 people assembled outside the office “We declare that we Anishnawbes are under distress by the Canadian government.”
The Thunder Bay participants joined thousands of people across the country holding rallies on Dec. 10 as part of Idle No More, a grassroots movement that began with four Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women in Saskatchewan.
The movement was created in response to current and upcoming legislation that affects First Nations as well as the rest of Canada.
Bill C-45 in particular contained amendments or changes to legislation regarding the Indian Act, the Fisheries Act, and water protection.
According to the Idle No More website, the passage of Bill C-45 on Dec. 4 is seen as “a direct attack on First Nations lands and on the bodies of water we all share from across this country.” The movement gathered steam after a number of chiefs were denied access to the House of Commons to voice their concerns about the bill.
Robert Animikii Horton of Rainy River First Nations said he joined the rally to support his “Indigenous and non-indigenous brothers and sisters” gathering in solidarity across the country. He said it was symbolically important to rally in front of the AANDC office.
“It’s ultimately where the activation, the use and utility of decisions from the top in Ottawa are cast onto our community members every single day and it’s in our community,” Horton said. “From what I saw today the Indian agent is still alive and well in 2012.”
After a night of gathering and ceremonies of scared pipes, drummers and singers at Anishnawbe Mushkiki Thunder Bay Aboriginal Health Centre, the rally began at 10 a.m. with various speeches made by Horton, Bottle, NAN Deputy Chief Les Louttit and other community members outside the AANDC office. After an hour, the participants made their way into the lobby, where the crowd chanted “Idle No More.”
They then peacefully made their way into the reception area of the office, where they again talked about how the federal government is unilaterally imposing legislation on First Nations.
AANDC officials asked the crowd to take the rally outside and threatened to call police, but the crowd requested that they contact Fort William First Nation chief to take part as they exited to the lobby. The chief arrived and supported the cause. Police showed up but no action was taken. The rally ended around 2 p.m.
Horton described the overall atmosphere of the rally as being positive.
“It’s empowering because there’s nothing more beautiful than when the community raises its voice,” Horton said.
Horton said the rally was important to raise awareness of the issues, create solidarity, and support the voice of the community.
“Because if not us, then who? If not now, when?” he said.
Similar rallies were held in Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Toronto, Regina, Whitehorse and other communities on the same day, with more scheduled, including Ottawa on Dec. 21.
The rally in Thunder Bay will not be the last act of solidarity in the city, Horton said. He noted that a group called Idle No More Thunder Bay was created out of the event, which will ensure the movement in the region does not die.
He said there is also talk across Canada that if the Harper government does not “open its ears and hear our communities,” there will be “direct action to shut down the flow of commerce indicative of the Trans Canada and to bring this tyrannical majority government to the table, because we’ve had enough.”
“He (Harper) has awakened the sleeping giant,” Horton said.