Four Day Fast Underway to Honor Chief Spence

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Challenges. Discussion »

OTTAWA, CANADA – A four day fast has been called to honor Chief Spence who is now in her 17th day of her hunger strike.

Chief Spence has vowed to die unless Canada's Harper
government begins to show more respect for aboriginal treaties.

“Chief Spence continues to be in good spirits,”

said spokesperson Pam Palmater told the Native News Network on Wednesday afternoon.

People across North America - Turtle Island - are being asked to pray for Chief Spence as she continues her hunger strike.

People are being asked to pray that Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper will "open his eyes and heart" and meet with Chief Theresa Spence.

The fast will begin today December 27 and run to December 31.

“Our brothers and sisters will be fasting from the east coast to the west coast! We ask for everyone to pass on the message! If you are unable to fast then we ask if you will participate in sweat lodge ceremonies and/or do pipe ceremonies or even just pray in whatever manner you pray and help us pray for these things I have mentioned during these four days!”

said a posting sent to the Native News Network late Tuesday night.

Chief Spence will end her hunger strike if her request to meet with top Canadian governmental officials is granted. She has asked a meeting with the Governor General David Johnston, Queen Elizabeth's representative in Canada, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper to discuss her concerns.

So far, no meeting has been granted or even planned.

She has vowed to die unless Canada's Harper government begins to show more respect for aboriginal treaties.

posted December 27, 2012 8:40 am est