IDLE NO MORE

Idle No More is a movement to assert indigenous sovereignty, and to work towards sustainable, renewable development. The movement began in response to Canadian Bill C-45, the government's omnibus budget implementation bill, that includes changes to land management on reservations which critics feel would enable Canada to control reserves. Along with other areas limiting the control of First Nations in their own territories. Since the movement began on December 10 as reported by Indian Country Today Media Network, flash mobs and Round Dances continue to take place in Canada but have also sprouted up in Seattle, Washington; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Minneapolis, Minnesota; and even internationally in Europe, New Zealand and the Ukraine. As flash mobs and support continue to grow around the world, back where it all began, Attawapiskat First Nation chief Theresa Spence continues her hunger strike protest now reaching 16 days. In the United States, Mishkomekinaak Ikwe began a journey from International Falls, Minnesota on her way to Washington, D.C. today. Ikwe is leading a car caravan to D.C. to urge President Barack Obama to call on Stephen Harper to meet with chief Spence and end her hunger strike. "Idle No More calls on all people to join in a revolution which honors and fulfills Indigenous sovereignty and which protects the land and water. Colonization continues through attacks to Indigenous rights and damage to the land and water, which affects all people," an Idle No More press release states. "Idle No More calls on all of us to repair these violations, live the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship, work towards justice in action, protect Mother Earth, and create sustainable, healthy communities."