First Nations demonstrators rally outside the Vancouver Art Gallery Sunday in opposition to the policies of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservative government.
Photograph by: Kim Stallknecht , PNG
Hundreds of First Nations activists and supporters gathered outside the Vancouver Art Gallery Sunday for the movement sweeping the country, Idle No More.
Rallies have been taking place across Canada in support of Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, who has been on a hunger strike in Ottawa for two weeks, seeking a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper to discuss the government’s policies on aboriginal communities.
“We’re fighting (against) the decisions that Harper makes — and those decisions affect not only First Nations, but all Canadian citizens,” Rueben George from North Vancouver told The Province.
George is fighting to protect waterways, change fishery laws and for money to be put toward green energy instead of fossil fuel companies.
“Drastic things that affect not only Canadians, but the world,” he said. “Our nation has been numb to these things.”
“What I’d like to see the most is for Canada to wake up — to wake up and stand up for our future.”
A number of speakers — including George — addressed the crowd in the Sunday morning rain in between songs, drums and chants of “idle no more.”
“It’s time to stand up for the ones that need our support and need our help,” George shouted to the crowd. “Taking care of our community is a priority and I think us, as a nation, we’re about to do that.”
“Not only are we going to do it to protect our teachings, to protect ourselves, to protect our elderly, to protect our children, but we’re going to protect everybody ... to take care of all human beings and even the ones that are making the decisions — even Harper.”
While many supporters are unsure how the government will respond, Clayton Haskells from northern B.C. is hoping a response comes soon to put an end to Spence’s hunger strike.
“I would like Stephen Harper to acknowledge her before Christmas meal — that’s what everybody’s hoping for,” said Haskells.