Two Powerful Warrior Women Chiefs to Meet

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

VICTORIA ISLAND, ONTARIO – Two powerful warrior women chiefs – both acquainted with suffering on behalf of their tribal nations – are meeting today on Victoria Island, Algonquin Unceded Territory, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Chief Spence supporters on Victoria Island

A meeting between Attawapiskat First Nation Chief Theresa Spence and Winnemem Wintu Chief Caleen Sisk is planned for this afternoon.

Chief Spence is now in Day 23 of her hunger strike to bring attention to the sweeping legislation brought forward by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his Conservative Party. Chief Sisk fasted last year for 24 days for sacred ceremonies in her native California. She took on the US Forest Service in her fight for justice.

Chief Sisk flew to Ottawa, Canada on New Year's Eve with a party of tribal officials, including her son, Michael.

She arrived in Canada on crutches as the result of foot surgery, but was determined she was not going to stop her from going to Canada to show her support and solidarity to the cause there. She said her daughter crafted her a big moccasin to fit her "big foot."

“We came to Canada because of the importance of letting the world know the importance of what is happening to our First Nations in Canada. And, this is just not important to Indians, it is about everyone,”

stated Chief Sisk this morning in a telephone interview with the Native News Network.

“What this is about protecting the water and other natural resources,”

continued Chief Sisk.

“This is a crossroad for Chief Spence. She is providing us with a wake-up call,”

stated Chief Sisk.

Chief Sisk and her party will fly back to California on Friday.

posted January 2, 2013 3:40 pm est