Idle No More

Today is Worldwide Day of Action

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

OTTAWA, CANADA – First Nations people and their supporters are uniting under the banner "Idle No More" against the Canadian federal government's changes to legislation which will affect treaties and traditionally used lands.

Idle No More Worldwide Day of Action

Today has been called to be a "Worldwide Day of Action" by leaders of Idle No More.

In Ottawa, Canada's national capital city, UNITY #J28 is expected to attract thousands of Aboriginal people to a ceremony at Victoria Island and a march to Parliament Hill where Jingle Dancers will take the lead, ringing their message of unity and protection for the water as they dance.

UNITY #J28 Ottawa will feature voices from many nations, organizations, and political stripes in a speakers rally and cultural showcase which will end with a round dance.

The event is scheduled from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Three of the four founders of Idle No More are scheduled to be part of UNITY#J28. The three are: Jess Gordon, Sheelah and Nina "Was'te" Wilson.

Several First Nations chiefs will be on hand to make remarks.

Non - Native politicians will also participate. Justin Trudeau, Carolyn Bennett and Bob Rae of the Liberal Party of Canada are expected to address the crowd.

Today's UNITY #J28 was planned because today is the first day back to Parliament after a long recess that began in mid-December of Members of Parliament.

The vision of Idle No More revolves around Indigenous ways of knowing rooted in Indigenous sovereignty to protect water, air, land and all creation for future generations. The Conservative government bills beginning with Bill C-45 threaten Treaties and this Indigenous vision of sovereignty. The goal of the movement is education and to revitalize Indigenous peoples through awareness and empowerment.

Idle No More has successfully encouraged knowledge sharing of Indigenous sovereignty and environmental protections. This message has been heard around the world and the world is watching how Canada responds to the message sent by many Idle No More supporters.

posted January 28, 2013 8:30 am est