APTN National News
EDMONTON– Members of the Samson Cree Nation plan to block an Alberta highway Wednesday in support of IdleNoMore and Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence’s hunger strike.
The Samson Cree Nation issued a statement Tuesday saying the blockade of provincial Hwy 2A would begin at 11:15 a.m. local time and run until 12:15 p.m. The blockade will shut down a portion of the highway between Hwy 611 West and the Pe Sakastew Correctional Centre, the statement said.
The statement said the blockade will be peaceful.
“Pipes will be lifted in support of IdleNoMore,” said the statement. “The presence of the pipe signifies the pipe laws of gentleness, compassion and mutual respect.”
On Monday, thousands of people across the country took to the streets in support of Indigenous rights under the banner of IdleNoMore. The next day, on Tuesday, Spence began her hunger strike in Ottawa which she says will continue until Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Queen Elizabeth II agree to a treaty meeting with First Nations leaders.
“We are taking this opportunity, coinciding with the 12th hour of the 12th day of December 2012, to bring awareness to First Nations’ opposition to legislation proposed by the Harper government,” said the statement, posted on the band’s website. “We also want people to bring attention to the hunger strike started…by Chief Theresa Spence.”
The statement said the Harper government is pushing a number of pieces of legislation that “directly undermines First Nations’ right of self-determination.”
Samson Cree Nation is about 97 kilometres south of Edmonton.
I would suggest that all Chiefs sacrafice 4 days and nights of “Fasting” & pray that our Treaty is honored & that the Government takes them seriously & consults with them when creating Bills….People have forgoten we have ceremonies that assist in that process….we have wakened our spirits now lets practice our Spirituality…..all the best to Cheif Spence..
you have my support treaty#5 http://www.ringofiddler.bravesites.com
All The News media outlets from the states and other places such as CNN should be invited to cover this.The world needs to know how Canada treats The Aboriginal People of Canada.Canada always wants to come across as a champion for human rights on the world stage,and yet this Government appears not to respect its own Treaty Partners that this Country was built on.
Thank goodness we have APTN.
you have my support from treaty 5 http://www.ringofiddler.bravesites.com
praying that you all receive all the courage, strength, fluidity and resolve needed to see these sacred actions through – Baruch Hashem, M’Sit Nokma
You have my full support on this!!!!….An Anishinabe from Treaty Number Three….The Harper Government needs to recognize and uphold our TREATY RIGHTS and Aboriginal and Inherent Rights!!!!
you have my full support, revolt against harper!
You have my support from Weenusk First Nation Reserve
Chi-miigwetch for your bravery Chief Theresa Spence.
Some of the chiefs need to go on a hunger strike, they are getting too big around the waist from their per deims! Lol
All CHIEFS should support a hunger strike! To show the sacrifces a true leader should make for the betterment of their Nation! Life can’t always be fine and dandy as a 1st Nations representative or can it?
You have my Support from Treaty 4 Territory.
Support from a non-native in Ontario!
Does the queen even know about any of this, I ask bc of the lack of media coverage surrounding this issue. Something needs to be done now!!!!
Please send a note to the C B C by arrow, just stick in the door so they will notice it.
support from a lakota brother from the 612
right on! you have my support!!! lillooet bc~